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Recherche	By : Eggburtshamslice Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Iruka Views: 4188 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 41
- 42
- 43
Recherché
0443: Hatake manor vaults:
“He’s to be first in line at the Assessor’s office this morning, and this one,” Jiraiya said handing over the satchel,” is for the Arles penny. All he need say is, horses were brought to us late last night along with news of the Uchiha tragedy. Lord Hatake requests appraisal of their value; short and simple.”
“Rest confident, Kinoe knows how to work with the humans--”
“As you say. Master’s newest acquisitions require health certificates, have him set a time convenient for that Inuzuka woman to examine them … today preferably.”
“Yes sir. And does Master require further of me?”
“He said nothing, however, I need you. Our Lord lies troubled Maito; no safe haven has he from that which disquiets his soul, this … Umino,” is hissed out through gritted teeth, “the chosen of a numen--”
“And we, prevented from destroying him. Would that I could have reasoned with him sir … I failed, yet am I unwilling to stand idle while his ... ‘chosen’ weakens our Lord--”
“Since it’s up to us now, prithee calm yourself young one … all is not lost.   We will do whatever it takes … seize every opportunity as it presents itself, for we cannot allow a soul tie to form between them.”
Recherché
0515: He comes blazing through the plaza as if his hair were on fire. After a tortuous dismount, overworked leg and back muscles scream in agony; one moment to settle down. His trusty pipe, packed tight and lit; a burst of nicotine fills the lungs, clears the head and energizes his next steps. And on this, an exceptionally humid morning, the door to the constabulary stands ajar. Perfect. A stiff breeze pushes him up the stairs, a hearty call rings out as Genma dramatically props himself against the door frame.
“Don’t come at me all at once fellas … enough of your favorite Coroner to go around!”
Activity inside the station house screeches to halt. Officers nearest him suddenly back away; grimaces etched on their faces, they scurry hither and yon.
“You lot are right hilarious … not that ugly, am I?” A lack of response, the sound of windows being flung open, ignored; the wide berth given, he takes, blithely marching to the front desk. “Oi, Ryota … what ails those mugs?”
The watch commander’s head jerks up, forearm pressed to his nose a bit too late, the heavy uniform material incapable of blocking out the wall of standing before him. “Good god man!” A single tear escapes the corner of his eye. “The hell have you been rolling around in?”
Momentarily bewildered, Genma nervously chuckles while lifting the fabric of a rumpled jacket to his own nose. “Oh, that. It’s the manly scent of hard work … shouldn’t wonder why you and the boys don’t recognize it--”
“Bullshit,” wheezes Ryota, “you reek of death run under the broiler--”
“What’d ya expect? You knew where I was and what I was doing when you sent for me--”
“Yeah, but ... damn! Right, step back and listen tight.   Inspector wants you with him when he meets the boss lady. For god sake man,” he said fanning away the funk, “do her and everybody else a kindness … air yourself outside beforetime.”
Recherché
0537: Repeated knocks on the front door of the Governor’s private residence finally rouse Shizune. A rumpled yukata thrown over night clothes, hair sticking every which way on her head, she greets this unwelcome visitor with a surly, “Have you any idea what time it is?”
“Awful sorry for the hour Miss,” the night commander takes a step back, “been another murder--!”
She slams the door in his face and takes off running through the house. At the threshold of the bedchamber, she sucks in a calming breath and into the quiet room painted amber by dawn’s light through silk twill curtains she calls, "Milady?” From the opposite end of the room comes a soft snore, a rustle of linens, but no answer. “Please, ma’am… wake up!" Once more, no response from the figure beneath the covers. Leather soled slippers skid over polished wood as she rushes to stand at the bedside of her mistress. "Lady Tsunade … it’s urgent!"
At last, a lazy arm slithers from under a lustrous duvet; blindly does it swing about in search of an alarm clock on the nightstand. "The hell time is it girl?”
“Murder morn … Inspector needs to see you immedi--!”
“Damn it!” The Governor bursts free of the silken cocoon with a roar, “Get the office open! I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
Recherché
0549: The Morino home/Inuzuka temporary clinic
Maintenance of the same bland expression and a distance of three feet; keys to his freedom. “Relax … I got it covered,” where the last words Tsume heard before his bedroom door politely closed in her face. Hana stood in the middle of the room, half dressed and giggling behind her hand. “Come here you,” Idate said gathering her into his arms. “Your mother’s in fine voice this morning--”
“Surely you aren’t surprised dear. After the night we had? It’s a mercy she isn’t throwing things at people--”
“Or in her case … throwing people at things.” They share muted snickers while Hana snuggles against his chest. “Trying to remember the last time we put a stallion down; been a while, yeah? But in less than seven hours last night, we put three down--”
“I know, destroying something so beautiful is always difficult.” She pushed back to look up at him, “Know what bothered me most? Every one of the horses had bone deep gouges in their flanks but no claw marks near the belly or throat. A wolf pack or mountain lion would’ve at least aimed for gaskins to hobble larger prey. What sort animal makes wounds like those?”
“Haven’t the foggiest; it was as if whatever attacked ‘em did it for sport.” The slight shudder of her body prompted him tighten the arm around her waist. “That’s all behind us now. What say we leave off talk of death and destruction and focus on something,” his lips graze her forehead,” you know … life affirming?”
“Goodness me,” her halfhearted attempt of wriggling out the clench left him heated. “Someone’s a randy little devil this morning--”
“Entirely your fault my sweet.” His other hand trails down her spine, gently pushing their bodies closer. “Just look what a mischief you’ve wrought.” He pressed himself closer to her as blunt nails grazed the small of his back. “However shall we rectify … this?”
“Well, she cooed, “I’d recommend prompt action before the situation becomes ... noticeably uncomfortable.” Her soft words burble against his chin, “I pray you maintain focus, five seconds more--”
“Can’t expect me to promise … specially if you keep doing that--”
“Point taken ... shall we get down to the nitty gritty?” was punctuated with a kiss to the bottom of his chin. “Our medical supplies are next to nothing.” Freeing her arms from his, needy fingers trace patterns over tensed biceps. “Kiba and some farm hands are off buying provender ... no telling how long they’ll be away. Still following, my dearest?”
Idate mutely nods, his mind elsewhere as her fingers walk up to his shoulders. Comprehension obliterated when she took to subtly grinding her hips against him. Breath catches in his throat as those same nimble fingers card through his hair.
“Sweetheart?”
“Hmmm?”
Suddenly, she grabs locks of his hair in each hand, lightly tugging at them. “If you don’t leave for town in the next few minutes,” she whispered, “my mother will break that door down and wrap you in a headlock. I doubt either of us wants that.”
With a roll of the eyes, he blew out a peeved breath. “My wife is a wily vixen, one who knows well how to deflate my … spirits--”
“On the contrary … I think your wife a very wise woman. Upon your return, I’m certain she will clear out the entire house, locking the doors and barring the windows. And then shall the exasperated husband be at liberty to chastise his errant wife--”
“Uh ...I’m leaving? Yes ... leaving right now,” he stammers, tripping over his own feet as he heads for the door.
Recherché
By the time Shizune arrives at the Complex at 0549, two lines of monks are encircling the front entrance. Their prayers mixed with the wailing of flutes as thick clouds of incense hang above them. They seemed not to notice or care when she tiptoed through their ranks. Fumbling for the keys, she couldn’t help thinking how they’d never done this before. The lobby lights hurriedly switched on, she makes for the outer conference room. Leaving the Governor’s private office with notepads and pens, Ibiki and Genma are heading toward her.
“Lady Tsunade is on her way. I was about to nip out to one of the inns for tea; would you care for anything else?”
“Nah,” said Genma, “can’t stay long anyways ... funerary stuff; lots of it needs doing.   Just have ‘em make my tea black, extra strong.”
“Mr. Shiranui ... even I know it doesn’t take long to prepare one person. And with half the temple barricading the entrance," she added, blocking her nose with a notepad, "arranging a tsuya should be a breeze. You willing to risk offending the Governor in favor of your schedule?”
“Got a point there Missy,” came out with a dry laugh, “but … well, you see it’s not just--”
The click of the Governor’s heels silenced him ere Ibiki could. They turn as one, bowing as she enters the space.
“Two things; why are those monks blocking the front door and … what the hell is that smell?”
Genma raised his hand with a sheepish smile, as Shizune answered, “Milady ... I didn’t want to disturb--”
"Well we can’t have them chanting prayers for the dead out in the plaza now can we? Ibiki, herd them inside--"
“No ma’am. Until these grounds are purified to their satisfaction, they’re not gonna budge.”
“Come again?”
“Early this morning, patrol found Uchiha Suté propped against the front door; rest of her family’s dead too.”
As if struck from behind, her knees buckle, and body suddenly limp, she slumps against the chair. “What?!”
“Her stepbrother Itachi confessed to setting the manor ablaze after he slaughtered his family and their servants--”
“Yep,” Genma proudly chimed in, “hospital basement is my temporary morgue. You woulda been proud ma’am; them student nurses and some of the doctors helped me get ‘em prepared. Warms the heart I tell ya. Next generation of undertakers sproutin' up before my eyes. Damnedest thing though, none of us ever seen anything like it before; heads hangin' on by a thread … most all the bodies burnt to a crisp--”
“That’s enough Shiranui,” she said collapsing into the seat. Having recovered somewhat, Shizune runs to fetch a glass of water for her. “Inspector … I take it Itachi is in your custody?”
“Actually ... he’s in the Coroner’s custody. Killed himself at the watch commander’s desk--”
“Feel as if my head will explode. I... I can’t believe this--”
“Afraid it true,” the oblivious Coroner interrupted, “I got him over to the morgue before rigor set in. Helluva thing … so many of them Uchiha; never gonna fit ‘em all inside the Temple proper. Kinda hoping to bury today … memorial service later--”
“Genma! Are you insane? The Uchiha is,” she stopped short, "… was, one of Konoha’s founding families. I won’t let you throw them away as if they were nothing! Now I don’t give a damn how you get it done, a tsuya will be tonight, understand me?”
“Had a feeling you’d say that. Alrighty … tonight it is.” He exits quickly with a tip of the hat and a polite bow. Shizune takes her leave as well. It isn’t long afterward that the monks invade the lobby for commencement of the morning blessing and oblations.
“Businesses opening soon ma’am, inns lettin’ out; plaza’s gonna be jammed with people--”
"I know Ibiki. And not that I don’t appreciate the smell of the incense, but would you please close that door? Hard enough to concentrate without all the noise--”
“Gonna get noisier soon,” he softly said. “Listen ma’am, I wanna get the truth out to the people before--"
"Are you suggesting a town hall meeting?"
“Something like that,” she heard him say as he crossed the room. “We needta issue a joint statement, soon as possible. To that end, carpenters should be putting together the old rostrum as I speak. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll post the tsuya time in the Admin center window--”
“Everything … moving too fast--”
“Nothing you can’t handle,” he smiled, “just take a breath--”
“Incredible … that’s what it is.” Little comfort found in running her fingers over the netsuke, her voice is tiny and tinged with fear. “Never heard of anyone killing their entire family before. How the hell am I to offer comfort to my people, when I can’t even understand my own feelings right now?”
“It is a tragedy … but act we must, and quickly.” In just a few paces, he’s at her chair side. “Don’t forget, today starts an assessment week. Your staff will be arriving earlier than usual … no telling what they’ve already heard. On that note, I think we oughta continue our conversation in your office,” he said glancing over his shoulder to the closed door behind them.  
“Yes … of course,” she mutters looking up at him through misty eyes. She's in a daze as he helps her stand; shock having left her without strength to walk unaided.  Trusting his support, they were slowly making their way down the hall when Tsunade suddenly stops mid step. "The farewell fete… surely I can’t be expected to attend now--!"
"You have to. It's imperative our version of the truth goes with those returning to Europe--”
“At a time like this, I should give a damn about those foreigners?”
“Time isn’t our ally ma’am.”
As that chunk of truth sinks in, her grip tightens about his forearm.   “Uchiha Fugaku … strident hardliner, a thorn in my side. Fought me at every turn. Though, whenever the mood struck, he could be one of my most ardent supporters; now he’s gone.” Taking another deep breath, she released his arm and straightened to her full height. “Alright Inspector … what’s our next move?”
“Simple. Let some Uchiha family background slip into your explanation at the breakfast, our trading partners embellish the details.  By the time they return to their respective homes, it’s gonna look like one psychotic family was behind all of Konoha’s recent misfortunes--”
“You mean that rubbish about them dabbling in witchcraft, propagating themselves through incest and the resulting insanity?”
“I’m certain you’ll word it more delicately, but yes …that rubbish.”
He guides a compliant Tsunade into her office and behind the desk, helping her settle into the seat before taking his place in the chair beside it.  “My plan for our people is solely dependent on the loose lips of those medical students and Genma, of course--”
“Dear god … I’m already frightened--”
“My officers are rounding up the remaining Council members; they’ll be here shortly--"
"I see ... present a united front before the people--"
"That … and I want ‘em to know about the deaths of Akimichi Yori and Nara Hitoshi before it’s publicly announced--”
"What?  How did ... when did this--?”
"In a carriage on the way to Hatake’s party last night. Coroner thinks they were poisoned.  Danzou, Orochimaru and Kabuto are presumed dead as well--"
“You told me Orochimaru took ill--”
“All I knew at the time, ma'am.  A search of the Kokucho estate turned up blood in the conservatory, but no bodies. Danzou wasn’t at his residence either. And, on a stranger side note, livestock from the Kokucho, Shimura and Uchiha stables are also unaccounted for. Sent a civilian patrol to my brother’s house … he and Tsume can be on the lookout for ‘em--”
"Bastards! Guess I shouldn’t be surprised those two had Yori and Hitoshi killed--"
“Well, if you think that, Advisory members will too. It’s a known fact that Orochimaru and Danzou would’ve done whatever it took to usurp your authority--”
“Wasn’t exactly a secret about them being lovers either,” she said with a shudder. “Obviously they had some sort of falling out, wound up killing each other; Kabuto discovered the bodies, disposed of them and hightailed it out of the territory--”
“Now you’re thinking like a detective ... I like that.” The huge grin slowly turned into a tight lipped smirk.   “Let’s also consider this. In everything concerning them, Kabuto held the trump card.  What he knew of their ‘relationship’ had potential to derail any side dealings with our foreign guests. He may have asked for cut to keep quiet; so they killed him, dumped the body outside our borders--”
“Makes sense to me. Oh god Ibiki … all my watchdogs have vanished--”
“I’m still here for ya ma’am.”
Lifting her head, smiling eyes of amber lock onto his. “Forever grateful,” she whispers, “but, the executive Advisors … the Hyuga, Nara, Akimichi. Nobody left to keep Danzou and Orochimaru from skimming tax monies off those trade agreements--”
“Exactly. Money equals power … enough of it in the wrong hands--”
“Their businesses and Council seats intact,” she fumed, “they would’ve made out like bandits!”
“Calm yourself ma’am ...that’s one less worry for us--”
“Right.” Arranging the pens which lay askew on the desk, she said, “Back to the Uchiha and the lies you want me to tell--”
"I’m not asking you to lie milady; we just need to let what isn't said, but commonly known do the legwork for us. Given the folklore, intimating their complicity in the murders won’t be a stretch--"
"Careful Inspector,” she said leaning against the chair back, “you sound as crazy as Genma."
"Humpf … that would be an insult under normal circumstances, but truth is, our Coroner has a tighter grip on the people’s ears and imaginations than either of us.  Just takes one careless mention of Suté’s brutal rape--”
“Got it.” As she thought, her fingers play over the netsuke, “And since none of the others were ravaged, it might suggest the murderer had intense hatred toward the girl--”
“She was the daughter of Fugaku’s first wife after all … the one who cheated on him?  He may have been taking sexual liberties with her for years--”
“Hold right there Ibiki … that man was many things I found despicable, but even he wouldn’t do that.”
“Really? Who’s left to say otherwise? How do we know Itachi didn’t catch his father and stepsister in the act? Maybe there was an argument … a struggle and Fugaku winds up dead. And what if this, ‘accidental’ death happened in the presence or hearing of other family members? In a panic, Itachi may have felt the need to eliminate all witnesses. Sounds like a crime of passion to me--”
“No. I can’t say something like that in good conscience --"
"Then leave it to me,” he said leaning closer.  “Told often enough… lie becomes truth.”  It’s his turn to lean back in his seat, palms flat against his thighs, “Which brings me to Dr. Umino Iruka--”
“Oh now you go too far Ibiki! What’s he have to do with any of this?”
“I’ve said it before and it bears repeating; he shows up outta nowhere offering ‘proof’ of an unknown murder’s identity. Accuses one of our prominent citizens of being the culprit, then claims Lord Hatake Kakashi is a creature of myth. And you say I go too far?”
“That’s old news--”
"Ma’am? Inspector? A little help, please?"
At Shizune’s voice, he rises slowly. “All I’m sayin’ is … Hatake aint our killer. Genma told me Suté perished shortly after midnight; Lord Hatake was seen of over a hundred people during a time span when the murder took place.   Hell … I was playing shogi with him at the time--”
“Just get the door Ibiki.”
Halfway across the room he turned back to look at her; elbows propped on the desk, finger pads massaging at her temples.  “One more thing … at that time of the morning, only longshoremen and fishing crews were in the vicinity of the Complex. Nobody saw nothin’--”  
“They never do … so what?”
“A spell …Coroner thinks somebody used one to conceal the body til dawn--” 
“Pfft, ridiculous!”
Her arms shaking under the weight of a heavy tray, her eyes darting between the peeved Inspector and flustered Governor, Shizune stands still in the frame of the open door.  
“Come on in. Ibiki, do take that from her.” Skirting around the Inspector she timidly walks to the place where her mistress sits. “Relax Shizune … not upset with you. That’s better … now, you’re going to stand in my stead at this farewell thing. All you need do is tell our guests a pressing matter detains me; I’ll be along shortly, alright?”
The second the door closed, she was onto the Inspector within a blink.
“Ibiki … you said Suté’s body was discovered around 4:00 a.m. At what point did your men lose sight of Dr. Umino?”
“They didn’t.  The three of them left the party before midnight. Sloppy drunk, Umino needed help getting into and out of the carriage.   Never left the cabin after that--”  
“Which means he isn’t our suspect either …correct--?”
“Why do you insist on taking up for him? He's a liar … and now I have proof.” He steps away from the small table, pulling a crumpled paper from his jacket pocket. “Here … case report from the night Lord Hatake Sakumo died--"
“Where’d you get that?”
“It’s called a professional courtesy ma'am.”
The smug look on his face made something twist in her gut. She stands slowly, eyeing him suspiciously. “And what answer will you have for the people next month should we be presented with the body of another young woman?"
“After eight months of terror, our people want to feel safe. We can offer them that hope… tempered with a caveat--”
“That’s your intention … placate them for another thirty days … is that it?”
“If we let them think a killer still roams free, they’ll start leaving Konoha in droves.  How then will we meet our trade obligations?”
“It’s wrong … and extremely dangerous--”
“Lady Tsunade,” he said taking a step toward her,” do you trust me?”
The question falls to the floor, lying there unanswered for all of five seconds. “Course I do. But what are we supposed to--?”
“I have a plan, which I’ll share once everyone arrives. In the meanwhile, come along ma’am; tea is getting cold.”
Recherché
The cabin in the woods at 0555:
 Izumo stops rattling around in the kitchen when the door to Kotetsu’s bedroom creaks open. He looks away from the task of measuring out tea leaves with a grin.  “What are you doing up so early?”
“Can’t a man enjoy a sunrise in peace Zumo?  ‘Sides, somebody needs to check the traps if we plan on eatin’ today. Making enough for me?”
“Maybe, got lots on my mind … Iruka being primary, of course--”
“Poor little fella,” he sighs shuffling into the kitchen, “heard him talkin’ up a storm in his sleep. Reckon the nightmares are startin’ again.”
They stand side by side, staring out the kitchen window as the tea steeps. "Had a few nightmares myself.  Still can’t wrap my head around how we lost every single amulet--”
“I know right? Real head scratcher. And that absentia stuff aside--”
“Absinthe, Tetsu--”
“Whatever. Too much happened last night that don’t make sense. Ruka’s convinced he was locked in a dark room with Hatake, when all the while, I know we were looking dead at him.   And don’t get me started about that weird rash around his neck and that ‘thing’ on his chest--”
“Cuckoo city …right? I’m taking him to see Lady Tsunade today, whether he wants to go or not. Maybe she can help--”
“Sleep … I say we let him get as much as he needs; even I know that’s the best medicine. And here’s another a surprise,” he said after a sip, “this is pretty good … for a change.”
They finish their tea in silence, caught up in their thoughts for the day ahead.
Finally, Izumo says, “If we're going to stay in Konoha, we’ll need to find work; we’re gonna need more amulets too.  Why not pay your friend Michio a visit after breakfast?” 
“How ‘bout I don’t?  Let that Sai character and his rats handle it--”
“Capital idea … and how do you propose we contact him?”
He cut his eyes at the man across the table, mumbling, “Hate it when you make sense Zumo. Fine, add that to the list of things I hafta do around here today.”
Recherché
At 0603 in the underground chamber of Lord Hatake:
The early morning hours find him tossing and turning in his bed; the words of his mentor playing time and again inside his head. 
Compassion … incompatible with true nature; never confront your prey alone, danger … dichotomy … judgment deceitful.
As the smell of sulfur creeps past his nose, Lord Hatake angrily flips onto his stomach, pulling the covers over his ears.
 “Into your bosom have you invited trouble. If you do not turn from your ways, you will unleash into this world an evil unspeakable.”
At the sound of this voice, he bolts upright.  “Doth my mind maketh sport?” Opposite his bed, the shadows ooze a mist, thick and black as the voice reaches from it once more.
  “That which was intended for your good now becomes your destruction.”
With great haste does he quit his resting place to kneel before the column of brimstone infused fog.  “Have you come all the way from the pit just to scold me?”
“No …I came to caution and impart wisdom--”
 “Then only speak those words which will free me from error’s grip Father--”
“Alas is the die cast Kakashi … destiny sealed.  The words of my vow and your own deeds of late, will surely render you bondservant to the will of our ancestor ... Kama. Tis a pity.  His misguided quest for power drives you toward the throne but beware … uneasy lies the head that wears the crown as ruler over the Five Nations.”
“Of the benefits and risks I am aware--”
“Yet woefully unprepared to face them.  Treachery and intrigue litter the path to victory; there will be grave consequences--”
“Spare me the lecture … I know what I’m doing. The other reason you’re here is--?”
  “To beg forgiveness; were it not for my selfish desires, the quandary tormenting your soul would never be.”
“I am also acquainted with the folly of the great, Hatake Sakumo--”
“Folly? Perhaps. Out of my mind in love … yes. Like you, I latched onto something that filled my soul and I refused to let go. For as long as the confines of her humanity allowed, I was determined to remain at your mother’s side. And when she was found with child … that same love consumed me. I would have done anything to keep both of you safe … forever--”
“This so called love, it begets weakness--”
"But to the one who finds it, love bequeaths strength.  How I wish your soul could be satisfied, taking a bride, perpetuating our name, ruling over this territory," he groaned. "Instead, Kama’s greed will overshadow any happiness which rightly belongs to you.  Do you not see it Kakashi?”
"No. I never understood it or you,” was the curt reply as he lifted his head. In the days of my youth was I obedient to your teachings, I admired your power, until I saw how this … happiness broke you.  From that point onward, I despised your impotence, vowing never to fall prey to its siren’s call.”
Out of the darkness stretches forth a hand; shadowy plumes of smoke rest upon the crown of his son’s head.  "Three hundred plus years old and still, you are but a child.  The frailty perceived in me grew into the power to defy our ancestors; to bargain for the life of the fruit of my loins.  You may disparage and attempt to deny, but I know, that same fire burns within you--” 
"Which proves you don’t know me as well as you think Father,” said he gathering himself to stand.  “For appearance sake will I espouse myself; the bride of my choice, a mere receptacle for the lustful demands of this flesh prison. As it was in generations past, only the Yasha will raise up seed to our name. And through it all, my heart will I give to no one,” he sneered, “especially a human.”  
"I thought the same way when I was your age,” he laughed. “But I’ve learned that time is the cruelest of all taskmasters Kakashi, exposing loneliness of the soul and showing forth the naiveté of our hasty words.  Alas, time … I have little of it to spend with you; so listen carefully. The only reason I fell in league with and exploited Yamada’s work was because of your mother. But as you wish not for love and marriage, his research is unnecessary to your goal--”
"Again Father, you’re wrong. To effectively rule to rule over the humans, I must appear like unto them--"
"Ah, you still have much to learn about these mortals.  But if you’re determined to stay this course, I beg you … release the younger Umino.  There will be others like him who can pick up where Yamada and Tadashi left off--”
"I am determined, and will do as I please,” he said turning away.  “The mere thought of exacting revenge on Umino Iruka fills me with a pleasure indescribable--"
“Headstrong and fool hearted,” Sakumo sighed, “just like your mother. And here stands the chief of fools who never could say ‘no’ to either of you. Sobeit, I have but one set of instructions which you must obey to the letter.”  Kakashi slowly turned about. “There is a divergent path to reach the intended end; a secret weapon, if you like. Will you promise to do as I ask my son?”
 Notes:
Coo:  to murmur or talk fondly or amorously.
Burble:  to speak in an excited manner.
Gaskin: large muscle in the hind leg of a horse, not unlike the calf muscle in humans.
Flank:  the area where the hind legs meet the barrel, or the part of the body that encloses the rib cage and major internal organs of a horse.
Chastise:  to discipline, especially by corporal punishment.
Errant:  straying from the right course or accepted standards.
Rostrum: a raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech.
Arles penny or earnest payment; deposit rendered to demonstrate commitment and to bind a contract with the remainder due at a particular time.
Usurp: take a position of power or importance illegally or by force.
Oblation: a thing presented or offered to a god.
Intimate (archaic): to make known.
Caveat: Warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations. A modifying or cautionary detail to be considered when evaluating, interpreting, or doing something.
Brimstone: an obsolete name for sulphur; a simple mineral substance, very inflammable and when burning, it emits a suffocating odor. Evokes the acrid aroma of volcanic activity.
Impotence:  the lack of power to change or improve a situation.
Naiveté: lack of experience, wisdom or judgment.
Prithee: please (archaic), used to convey a polite request.
In absentia: in the absence of the person involved.
Divergent: moving or extending in different directions from a common point.
1886: Tokyo Electric Lighting, a private company, began operations as the nation’s first electric power company; the following year they started supplying electricity to the public at large.
Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, King Henry the Fourth, Part Two, William Shakespeare.
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