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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
- 37
- 38
- 39
A/N: Lot of moving parts in this one, but more importantly, will they? Won't they?
Yes! Kakashi and Iruka meet ... at last
or rather ... for the first time ... in Konoha.
Recherché
The heavy leather apron loudly claps against his shins when Genma bounded up the steps of the constabulary. Proudly he stood in the doorway, a huge grin stretching across his face, arms akimbo, but no one seemed to notice.
“Said I'd run errands for ya, but it's kinda bad time now. I got two stiffs over to the shop--"
"And one more makes three," Ryota gestured to the body laid on the floor behind the desk. "Arithmetic lesson’s over ... get to work.”
"Huh?" Ten strides brought the flabbergasted mortician beside the prone figure. "Dead eh? Knife to the gut, yep, that'll do it every time," he said while pushing aside the apron and fishing about in his pocket. With a small magnifying glass in hand, he awkwardly squats down. "Musta just happened too, no rigor. Not that celluloid crap we ship to foreigners, this here's the genuine article ... grain patterns confirm it. Antique ivory, samurai special. There's writin' carved in it … looks like old Lightning Country characters.” Gingerly does he adjust the bloody kimono folds. “And a left to right cut, humph … this guy knew what he was doing." Peeling away the handkerchief covering the man's face, he lets it drop with a sigh. "Right then, gather ‘round gents, lend a hand.” As the six officers carry the corpse out the door, he sidles up to the watch commander. "Damn shame, that's one of them Uchiha boys, eldest son matter of fact; his folks are gonna be devastated."
“Don't count on it. The late Lord Uchiha Itachi walked in here, told us his entire family was dead; said he killed them and set the house afire. Thought he was in shock at first, till he sat right there and killed himself in front of the night commander.”
"So, a death of honor, reckon he had to do it after somethin' like 'at. What possessed him to turn killer I wonder? No mind, I’ll let you guys crack that nut, I got bigger problems. Can't remember if it was six or ten of them Uchiha, but I only got three tables, occupied now. Aint no room for ‘em at my place--"
"It's in the works," Ryota assured him. "Hospital's settin' up a temporary morgue, they're sending some of their senior medical students to help with the lifting and moving of bodies and your equipment. And the boys at the docks are sending wagons and drivers to your place as we speak."
Genma rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Finally get to crack open them new chemicals."
Recherché
At the stroke of midnight, heaven’s grandest spectacle was set to unfold; by then, this deserted balcony would be filled to overflowing. A ginger lozenge pleasantly warm against his inner cheek, his mind adrift, and palms flat against the cool white marble balustrade, Iruka stands alone. For the briefest of moments, it was as if he were teetering on the edge of the earth looking out into infinity. From a fountain center most in lush gardens of green, comes the gentle fall of water over smooth gray stones, and from soot daubed firepots scattered throughout the property, yellow orange flames jump and dance. Above it all, a buttery moon shimmers against a deep violet blue sky.
Were I not in a den of demons … this would be heaven, he thought with a smile.
Peace, blithely stumbled into, now painfully encroached upon, as someone slams into his back and walks down the heel of his shoe. A flustered feminine voice immediately floats over his shoulder.
“Goodness gracious sir, I’m sorry. I was so busy looking up, I didn't think too look right in front of me.”
Sucking in an irritated breath, Iruka turns to see a furiously blushing dark haired young woman; a soft hand pressed against her lips, her brown eyes welling with compunction.
"Perfectly alright ma'am," he said, jamming his heel back into the shoe. "No harm done … hard not to be enthralled by its beauty.”
“What a privilege to witness something like this. If I stood on my tiptoes, I feel like I could reach out and touch it," came the dreamy sigh beside him.
Uninvited, she’d pierced the bubble he'd built around himself, though she was kind enough to let him enjoy a few moments of silence. However, returning to the world of thought she’d jarred him from would be no easy task, as for every inch he moved left, she moved left as well. Not necessarily unwelcome was the heat of her body pushing the aroma of jasmine toilet water past his nose; he found it a pleasant disruption.
“You think me forward don't you?   Standing this close, chatting away as if we've known one another for years--"
"Now that you mention it--"
"Overcompensation for a bad case of nerves, I assure you sir.” She turned slightly and held out her hand, “Kawaguchi Takara from the Land of Water; pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“Umino Iruka,” he said clasping the dainty appendage, “also from Water Country."
“Knew I felt an affinity soon as I bumped you. Also makes sense why you were out here by your lonesome.”
“Yes, well … I was."
“There’s an old axiom about those birthed in our land," Takara continued. "They say we above all people, draw inner strength from the light of the moon. Let me tell you, that simply isn't true. I came out here to collect courage for a difficult task and I don't think that moon stuff is working yet.”
Again, Iruka nodded politely and inched further left. "Perhaps if you quietly focus your attention on the moon--"
“I'm guessing you want to take something away from Lord Hatake before the night ends too?”
“Pardon?”
“Be it an investment of his time, money or the joining of his family name to theirs, we’re all expecting some sort of handout from him. So, Mr. Umino, what is it you need from him?”
The words leapt from his mouth ere his brain could soften their tenor,
“I’m sure that’s none of your concern--”
“Oh, I didn't mean to pry.   I often speak without thinking when I'm nervous. Let me guess,” she moved closer, “you're a medical student.”
He was running out of room and polite ways to extricate himself from this situation. "My school days are but distant memories.” Standing erect and brushing his hand along the front of his waistcoat he added, “What joyance I found in meeting you.” A polite bow put distance between them, “I should get back to my friends. I hope the remainder of your evening is pleasant.”
“Did it again huh? You're such a kind man, Mr. Umino and I’ve done nothing but offend and bore you.”   She bowed low, “Sorry for monopolizing your time with foolish talk.”
He steeled himself to walk away, managing only twenty paces before the sound of sniffles turned him round.
"I think we’ve got time before our host makes an appearance," he sighed. "Until then, I can spare you a handkerchief, a ginger lozenge, and a listening ear--”
Her eyes lit up as Iruka walked toward her; she met him halfway, launching herself at him for an enthusiastic bear hug. “Oh, thank you sir!” A soft peck on the cheek left him blushing as she unwound her arms from his waist. She stepped away saying, “As this brazen display confirms ... I’m not from a noble house, but I have friends who are. One of them lent me her invitation, another one gave me this beautiful kimono. Those things got me in the front door.” Leading him by the hand, they returned to their places at the balustrade. “As I stood in that ballroom, surrounded by so many important people, I started doubting myself and then I realized why. I’m too self-conscious and timid."
“Intimately acquainted with those feelings … believe me," he smiled. "However, I've come too far and I'm far too stubborn to let any personage sway me from the path determined. Now then Miss Kawaguchi, what is it you desire of Lord Hatake?”
She closed her eyes and drew in a breath, “I'm gonna be a renown surgeon one of these days. Been saving up so I could complete my studies in England. I have all the right credentials, training and desire, but as a woman, that means nothing to college admissions boards. A letter of introduction and commendation from Lord Hatake Kakashi would open doors faster than all my hard work ever could.”
"The Fates have smiled on you, bringing you one step closer to your goal--”
"The Fates, Mr. Umino, are fickle witches, dangling the prize before me, ever out of my reach. Fear gnaws gaping holes in the pit of my stomach. I'm scared to death that if I can’t follow through on my intentions, everything I’ve worked for and believed in will turn to dust."
Iruka waggled a stern finger before her lips. "I'll hear no more of this negative talk young lady. Whether or not you get a piece of paper with his name on it, only you can make your dream reality."
"You sound like my father. Yet, even if Lord Hatake deign spare me a moment, because of who he is, I’m still terrified. Knowing me, I’ll say the wrong thing, trip over my own feet or do something equally embarrassing to disqualify myself in his presence--”
“Always remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Hatake is just a man, a powerful one, but a man nonetheless. You’re gonna look him straight in the eye and tell him what’s what … hear me?”
“Mr. Umino, you’re very brave, wise and strong. How about standing beside me in the receiving line and lending me your strength?”
Recherché
Two of the servants passed him so quickly, the breeze in their wake almost extinguished a just struck match. Looking beyond the servant's rapidly forming tight welcome line of smiling faces, Ibiki saw a carriage rounding a soft bend in the driveway.
Governor’s finally here … to work then.
Through a brume of cigar smoke, he sadly shakes his head as he walks down the porch stairs toward the scraggly formation of his constables.
“Attention,” came the command as his foot landed on the bottom step. “At close interval, dress right …dress. Ready … front!”
Inordinately pleased, Ibiki gestured for their captain, “Walk with me Sakai.” It wasn’t until they reached a stand of trees far from the entrance that he said, “This mounted patrol officer, describe him.”
“Never seen him before sir, he was in dress uniform just like us and his horse was decked out with MP insignia; he had dark hair, a mustache and his eyes,” he drifted off, “they were hypnotic like … felt I had to do whatever he said.”
“You been drinkin’ Sakai?”
“No sir! Servants gave us some tea earlier, but that was it.”
“Alright, we'll get to the bottom of this once Ryota shows up. Oh, and since I’ve made alternate arrangements for Umino, you're off the hook … for the moment.”
Recherché
“Like a museum in here,” said an invigorated Kotetsu. “Weaponry I never seen before … and samurai stuff too!”
“You’re awful giddy; sure you’re not drunk?”
“From five sips of wine … really?”
“Empty stomach, empty head … yeah, it’s possible.”
“Lest you forget, I'm also quick tempered and prone to violence Zumo … wanna try me?”
“And wrinkle my suit? No thanks. Come on, let's go check on Iruka.”
“Know something else ? The women ... here they’re not stuck up like them society dames in London. They’re beautiful … and bold too; walk right up to the man they want and flat out ask him to dance. I kinda like that.”
“I noticed--”
“Musta danced with ten of ‘em already--”
“It was five,” Izumo said as he plucked the wine glass from his friend's hand, “let’s try to remember why we’re here twinkle toes."
“Can I help I’m irresistible to women? No, I accept it and move on … you should too. ‘Sides, you told me to blend in--"
"Don’t sass me junior … wait a minute, hear that? It’s fanfare; Governor must be here. Reckon our host shouldn’t be too far behind. Don’t need to tell you what that means--”
“Means we can eat, right?”
Recherché
Not five steps inside the vestibule did Kinoe greet them with a formal bow.   "Blessings of house Hatake be upon you,” he said. “We are honored by your presence Lady Tsunade.   And who is this vision of loveliness at your side?”
“She is lovely, isn't she? Put your eyes back in your head, Kinoe, you know full well this my assistant.”
“Of course, Dan Shizune ... it is indeed a pleasure.”
“Has Lord Hatake joined his guests?”
“Not yet ma'am.”
“See, told you we’d arrive in time Shizune. What of Inspector Morino, is he here?”
“He was speaking with his officers outside a minute ago. Need me to fetch him milady?”
“Leave him ... Ibiki’s more comfortable out of doors. Well then Kinoe, my drinking time diminishes each moment we piddle about; lead on my good man.”
As expected, she scarcely finished paying tribute to the Hatake ancestors before a legion of dignitaries swarmed her. Pulling Shizune close, she whispered, "With this crowd, there’s no fun to be had standing at my elbow. Go, grab a drink, be mysterious and dance the night away … I'll catch you up.”
Recherché
Lost in a cloud of dignitaries encircling her, Ibiki took a wine glass from the tray of a roving servant. Now that our fair Governor is otherwise engaged, she won’t have space to ask questions. He comforted himself with that thought as he slunk off into a quiet corner of the vestibule. Aoba and Raidou soon joined him.
“What you got for me?”
“Aside from our targets sneaking past the outside guard? Nothing,” said Aoba. “Aint seen Lord Hatake neither, but what I have seen is a puzzlement. How did some of the most wanted cutpurses in the territory get past the front door?”
“Probably stole the invitations--”
“Can’t fault them for that, Raidou … bigger pickin’s up this way. ‘Bout ten or twelve of ‘em floating around here big as day. “
“And rich folk, none the wiser. Startin’ to think some of my officers need eye exams. No matter … more than one way to skin a cat,” hissed Ibiki. “Speaking of which, where’s Umino?”
"Balcony; his friends took a few spins around the dance floor before they went wandering around the east wing. I could stand outside, help Sakai and his men search the thieves before they leave the property--"
“Negative. You’re both needed inside. Alright, listen tight; I’m guessin’ one of you has a dagger?"
"Stiletto in my boot, another holstered at my waist, neither standard issue."
"Perfect Raidou; make sure one of 'em winds up on Umino’s person.”
“Gotcha,” he said turning on his heel.
Recherché
In the distance, the fire bell sounds as the Inuzuka/Morino team crosses the ridge line leading to the pale of the Uchiha. Scarcely do they escape a stampede of a dozen horses running wild. From atop her mount, Tsume sees the flames rising from the manor and shakes her head. "Least we know what spooked ‘em. Looks like they’re heading toward your place Hana. Other than hope the stable hands corral ‘em, nothing else we can do now.”
Recherché
Target in sight, Raidou casually steps onto the balcony.
“Hey there Kohaku,” he said, as Iruka turned. “How’s the wife and kids?” Giving the man no time to answer, Raidou walks right up, turns Iruka about and wraps his arm around the befuddled doctor’s neck.
“I … you … sir,” Iruka manages, “you’ve obviously mistaken me for someone else.”
“Oh, gotcha,” he winked, “that aint the wife eh?”
“She isn’t and I’m not Kohaku. Now see here, since I have no idea who you are, kindly unhand me sir.”
“Well, this is embarrassin,’ he said loosening his grip, “although … looks like the little lady knows me.”
Takara’s eyes widened in recognition, right before she crumpled to the ground in a faint.
“Sorry ‘bout the mix up buddy; here, let me run get some smelling salts for your friend.”
When he knelt beside her, a delicate hand took hold of his ankle as Takara came to herself.
“That man,” she breathed, “he reminded me of a friend I thought was long dead.” She grabbed at his other ankle as she sat up. “So much for not making a scene.” Firmly on her feet now with her arm wrapped around Iruka’s waist, they stagger back into the ballroom. As they enter, vocalists are taking their places in front of the orchestra.
“I should powder my nose,” she tells him. “Won’t be a moment.”
Grabbing a glass of wine from one of the servers, Iruka hastily knocked it back in one gulp. The hell goes on in this place?
Recherché
With passage to the ballroom blocked, Kotetsu and Izumo lift their eyes to the stairs, as a dark-haired man slowly descends. Not long afterwards, more people spill out of the ballroom lining the area near the grand staircase.
“What's going on Zumo? Why is everybody coming out here?”
“Hatake ... ten o'clock. Don’t forget to bow.”
“To him … you kiddin’ me?”
“Regardless what you think of Lord Hatake, we are guests in his home … it’s called good manners.”
Kotetsu sucked at his teeth, “This polite crap … it’s why I hate comin’ to these things. Hey, I know that guy … he’s the one who brought the invitation to the cabin. Cleans up pretty good huh?”
Clad in a black suit, white shirt, with a green striped silk imperial neck tie, forest green waistcoat with a gold Hatake kamon embroidered on his left breast pocket and his hair slicked back, the man in question cleaned up quite well indeed. On the landing of the staircase, the servant inclines his head toward Kinoe, who in turn signals the orchestra’s conductor; soon, the voices of a chorus rise above the din in the corridor.
In the meantime, Aoba was on the move.
He skirted around the Governor as she was escorted back to the staircase; fighting against the heavy flow of traffic, he pointedly scans the faces of those exiting.
Iruka found himself trapped between the steam tables and the orchestra, watching in wonder as a good chunk of the people stopped what they were doing to clear the dance floor. As if on cue, those remaining lined themselves before the chairs inside the ballroom as the voices of the chorus blend together. Just outside, he hears the announcement and his stomach twists into a knot.
"Esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure I introduce to some, and present to others … the Honorable Lord Hatake Kakashi.”
All eyes follow the sweep of Kinoe’s arm to the man now striding across the span to the head of the stairs. With a thundering of kettle drums, the strains of Kimigayo fill the first floor.
Kotetsu and Izumo are rolling their eyes, trying to ignore the women crowded around them without success. All of them atwitter, whispering behind their fans about how handsome and desirable Lord Hatake was, and why each one of them reckoned herself worthy to be his mate.
Dressed in suit of black, an ivory tailored shirt and waistcoat, an ascot of black accented with the aquamarine pin, even Kotetsu can't deny the man cuts an imposing figure. There are muffled squeals of delight from the ladies as Hatake’s silvery hair falls over his eyepatch when he stops on the landing and bows to his ancestors. The next few moments are a blur as the lord of the manor greets the assembled bigwigs, sparing each a few minutes of his time, remembering their names without coaching and sharing anecdotes about their families. Suddenly, he’s standing in front of Kotetsu and Izumo saying, "So glad you condescended to attend gentlemen,” before he moved down the line and toward the ballroom.
Recherché
Slipping unnoticed through the receiving line, Ibiki enters the ballroom with a grin pulling at his lips. To his right at the far end of the room stands his target. Raidou is slightly behind the good doctor and the other constables have positioned themselves throughout the room that they might have unobstructed access to Umino. Aoba is walking toward him with a drink in hand. “The bird is in the nest,” he says when he brushes past Ibiki. With an hour and a half left until the arrest warrant expires, confidently does Ibiki stroll to the bar area. And now, with drink in hand, he raises his glass in Iruka’s direction.
Let’s see you talk your way outta this one, Umino.
Once Lord Hatake steps foot inside the ballroom, the steam tables begin service as guests flood the space. The music, loud enough to hear yet not overpower conversation, continues in the background as the master of the manor moves down the line. At last, he stands before Iruka.
“Dr. Umino … what a pleasure to see you again.”
“Lord Hatake,” he said with a slight inclination of his head. “Thank you for inviting us.”
Expecting some sign of discomfort as they stood close or an indication of pain when they shook hands, Iruka is stunned when Hatake lingers.
“We have much to discuss Doctor,” he said with a smile. “Since the Governor is here, perhaps the three of us can find a time and place conducive to quiet conversation this evening?”
Iruka elected not to respond verbally; a tight smile and a nod of the head, the only acknowledgement of the other man’s words. Unfazed, Hatake moves on to the next guest.
Having witnessed the stilted encounter from across the room, Izumo and Kotetsu rush to Iruka’s side.
“You alright,” was Izumo’s first question, “didn’t put a whammy on you again, did he?”
“No," he laughed, "see, still standing. I’m fine.”
Kotetsu, who hadn't stopped glaring daggers into Hatake’s back since he walked into the room asked, “He threaten you Ruka? Just say the word and--”
“Calm down. All he wants to do is have a meeting with me and the Governor for a quiet, peaceful conversation--”
“The hell you say! Not without us being in attendance you won’t. Oh, good gravy, look at him Zumo … he’s already considering it.”
"That true Iruka? Because I’m not comfortable with you and him--”
“Not like I'm gonna be alone with Hatake. And yes, I am considering a meeting for two reasons; it won't be long and with as many amulets as we have between us, he won't be able to do anything remotely threatening. Still, I need to think on it a bit.”
“What’s to think? Smells like a trap to me. You of all people should know what we’re dealing with!”
“Tetsu, lower your voice. I'm not going to do anything without consulting you guys first, you know that. All I want now is a few minutes space to collect my thoughts.”
Pulling on Kotetsu’s tails, Izumo said, “If you’re sure you’re alright; I best get some food into this one before he does something stupid. We’ll bring a plate back for you, okay?”
Recherché
From the other side of the room, there is gnashing of teeth as Ibiki paces before the bar. The long-awaited meeting came and went without incident; his plan, dashed to hell. And still there was more good news; one of his undercover officers approached with a disgruntled Takara in tow.
“Looky what I found Inspector. She had some strange looking stones hidden in her obi … along with this,” he said flashing the stiletto.
“Get her outta here!”
The hell goes on in this place?
Notes:
The enemy of my enemy is my friend, is an ancient proverb which put forth the idea that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. The earliest known expression of this concept is found in a Sanskrit treatise on statecraft, which dates to around the 4th century BC; the first recorded use of the current English version came in 1884.
Blithely: in a happy or carefree manner.
Compunction: a feeling of unease or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or inducing pain.
Toilet water: (British) is a form of liquid perfume lighter than perfume; better known as eau de toilette.
Kawaguchi: “mouth of the river.”
Takara: “treasure.”
Tenor: the drift of something spoken.
Personage: a person of distinction or importance.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” is a quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, from ‘This is My Story.’
“At close interval, dress right …dress. Ready … front!” These are military stationary drill commands.
Pale (archaic): an area within determined bounds.
Joyance (archaic): delight.
Cutpurse (archaic): pickpocket.
Kohaku: “amber.”
Kimigayo: meaning, “His Imperial Majesty’s Reign” is Japan’s national anthem. Its lyrics are the oldest of the world's national anthems, and one of the world's shortest playing. The lyrics were taken from a waka poem written during the Heian period and the current melody was chosen in 1880 to replace an unpopular melody composed eleven years earlier. A stirring piece, a total of 1 minute and 69 seconds, the accompanying photo for the instrumental version gives you an idea of what house Hatake looks like too. If you care to hear either version, follow the links below.
A Capella version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV7Y8hJwlnU
Instrumental version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyEDyeOkEsc
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