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Recherche	By : Eggburtshamslice Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Iruka Views: 4182 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any profit from this work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 42
- 43
- 44
Recherché
Alacrity percolates through the squad room, the atmosphere akin to a reunion of old friends. The drone of their voices almost soothing while the shuffling of papers and signing of chits is seemingly more important than legitimate concerns of the citizenry waiting. He knew enough to know this was a morning atypical, but as precious minutes flitted away, such knowledge did little to counter the souring of his mien. Finally, Ogawa Shinji could take no more. Leaving his seat in a huff, he pushed through a knot of uniforms making a beeline for the front desk. Now, only a spindly banister stands between him and the object of his ire.
“You gonna keep me waiting all day?”
“Shinji … you been here less than ten minutes,” Ryota said, his eyes never leaving the forms and folders spread before him. “We’ll get to you, I promise.”
“Do you not understand I been robbed? Sixteen of ‘em bastards made off with my property … wagons and horses--”
“Can’t help but understand … you wrote it down on the sign in sheet, been whingin’ and moanin’ about it to anybody with ears to hear--”
  “Well whatcha gonna do?”
“Respectfully ask you to go back to your seat. Now there’s a good man. Officer will call you in turn, we’ll get the particulars and--”
No,” the old man’s palms slapped down on the desk, “we do this now! Time is money, Ryota … been bumpin’ my gums and wasting both since I got here!”
“We’ll get to ya soon I said--”
“Listen you, hadta fight my way through a mob of undesirables in the plaza just to get here, so don’t futz with me … already in a foul mood--!”
“What a coincidence … so am I. Now either make time to file a report or get steppin’!”
Shinji reared back, his jaw tight, “I don’t think you realize who you’re trifling with. I could have your job--!”
“You're welcome it,” Ryota gave him a sly grin as he continued on with his paperwork. “Now, go back and sit down, please.”
   “I’m warning alla ya right now … the Governor will hear of this!” Shaking his fist in the air, he turned and stomped toward the door. “Smug bastards … thanks for nothing!”
Recherché
After hearing the Inspector’s plan, it only took a few minutes deliberation before the Advisory members and head priest give their assent; Asahi, the wizened sage, absolutely thrilled for any opportunity to speak to a large gathering, readily signaled his acceptance as well.
“That leaves one,” Ibiki said as all eyes turned to her. “What say you ma’am?”
A sad shake of the head was accompanied with a muttered, “Still don’t feel right about this--”
“I know, our situation is critical; there aren’t many options left us. If we don’t get answers out there, I guarantee the territory will fall into a panic like we’ve never seen before--”
“We’re delaying the inevitable and you’re applying undue pressure--”
“Pardon for being blunt Lady Tsunade but right now, we need to cover our asses--”
“You’re underestimating the intelligence of our people! Honestly, who’s gonna believe such drivel?”
"Our land overflows with gullible and deeply superstitious folk--"
“Listen to yourself! That old ‘if you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit,’ bit isn’t gonna work! Mark my words Ibiki, these lies will catch us up!"
Hefty arms cross over a barrel chest. “Alright … I take it you have a have a better idea ma’am? No? Then I say we go with what we got.”
Recherché
Alone on a gently winding path, morning sun filters through deep mahogany maple leaves, dew laden grasses glisten as tiny crystals, komadori trill and mourning doves coo; he pauses but for a moment to breathe in the earthy aromas of damp forest loam and moss covered ponds. Ah yes, this was exactly what he needed. A relaxed smile spreads over his lips as three Ohgomadara butterflies dance on the flowing breezes. Then came another … his smile broadened a tad,
as another joins them ...prompting a quirk of the eyebrow
… and then another,
until he find himself the center of an annoying kaleidoscope.
“Hey! Whadda I look like, a rose bush or somethin’?” Wildly swinging his arms at them he barked, “Go on ya stupids …shoo!”
From the shadow of a tall elm in the distance, a young man emerges, fighting back a grin and shaking his head while Kotetsu continued flailing through a fluttering curtain of wings.
“Sorry about that Mr. Tetsu,” he calls, “thought they’d be the least threatening way to get your attention.”
“Shoulda known you were behind this; these lot aint native to this area idiot.”
“My apologies ... they’re the only kind I know how to draw sir.”
“Sic a rabble on me huh? Gettin’ real annoyed kid, c’mon ... call ‘em off.”
In an instant the other man is standing ten inches away and with a snap of his fingers, the swarm disappears into thin air.
“Alright, you got your chuckles ... now beat it! I got somewheres to be--"
“Give this to Dr. Umino please,” he said dangling a small burlap sack before Kotetsu’s eyes. “No need to be frightened ... more ingredients for his tea. Make sure he drinks a cupful at least three times a day.”
The sack slapped to the ground with a gruff, “Hey now! Don’t shove stuff in my face; surest way to get yourself punched.” Sidestepping the young man, Kotetsu made to continue his journey saying, “You know where we live … take it yourself.”
“I’d be happy to sir, but I also have somewheres to be.”
A quick pivot found him face to face with Sai. “You mockin’ me punk?”
“Umm … no? Matter of fact, I was quite pleased when the mice alerted me to your presence on the path.”
“Why’s that?”
“As the skeptic and dullard of your group of friends, you’re perfect for this errand. If I can make you understand the urgency of our situation, there's a good chance--”
“I aint gonna be too many more dullards, hear me?”
“And yet you prove my point every time you open your mouth--”
“Careful ... nobody’s here to protect ya from a beat down--"
“Yes … now do be quiet Mr. Tetsu … I have very important news--”
“Get on with it or get outta my way--”
“Don’t forget this,” he said, holding out the small sack. “I think we’re headed in the same direction. Shall we go?”
Snatching up the parcel and shoving it into his pocket, Kotetsu snaps, “Talk quick.”
“Yes sir. At the party last night, doppelgängers were employed to--”
“What kinda gangs?”
“Doppelgängers,” he sighed, “gaki that can take on the appearance of another--?”
“Oh right … them bakedmondo things --”
Mercy sake, he thought, I chose poorly. “Here’s all you need to know Mr. Tetsu, the numen used one of those things to fill Dr. Umino's absence while it marked him with a seal in his flesh and a curse in his blood.”
“Sure kid, sure. Which of ‘em was it, Ruka or Zumo?”
“Pardon?”
“One of ‘em sent you to make me believe that cockamamie story … yeah?”
“No, and please stop talking.” Reaching into the small leather pouch at his waist, Sai drew out a scroll. “Would you also take this to the one who rules over the territory ... tall woman, large breasts, long blonde hair--?”
“I’m familiar … and it’s not gonna happen. Got no time to play messenger boy for ya.”
Exasperated, Sai stopped walking. “Mr. Tetsu, this scroll contains a sketch of--”
“Don’t care about your scribbles kid,” flew back in Sai’s face. “See ya!”
“It’s a sketch of the one who placed a decedent outside the Complex this morning. Bulk of a man, massive eyebrows ... servant of the one called ... Hatake?"
“Shit!” Kotetsu turned mid-step, "He killed another one?"
Finally. Seizing this small window of coherence, Sai quickly added, "Your amulets … pickpockets lifted them while you were dancing and making merry. Smashed to pieces, thrown into the bonfires; I ’m afraid the thieves fared no better … they were a buffet for hordes of gaki.”
“Good idea, leave no waggin’ tongues behind,” he said coming closer to where Sai stood. “So, how many dead folk we talkin'?”
“Multiple decedents. Soon as my investigation wraps up, I’ll let you share that information with the proper authorities. Right then, let’s be off,” he said brushing past Kotetsu. “Must continue surveillance of the manor house by the cemetery ... strange things go on there.”
“Specifics?” Kotetsu asked as he caught up with him.
“Unclear; messengers kept bringing conflicting data all through the night. I can say that since Dr. Umino’s release, the numen has undergone violent changes--”
“Wait a minute … you sayin’ Ruka really was held captive somewhere last night?”
“Thought that was clear when I mentioned the mark in his flesh--”
“So I’m a little slow on the uptake, alright? That numen, going through changes ...what’s it mean?”
“If I knew the answer to that Mr. Tetsu, my surveillance would be at its end--”
“You’re a real smart ass kid. How bout you tell me plain ... what's gonna happen to Ruka now?”
Sai simply shrugged his shoulders. “Don’t know yet; after the numen left Dr. Umino’s bedroom this morning--”
“Hatake was in the cabin … our cabin?”
“Do try to keep up Mr. Tetsu and don’t forget to put this scroll in your other pocket.”
“Fine,” he huffed yanking it out of his hand, “you gonna finish this story or what?”
“Yes, well, the numen left the cabin in possession of a glowing white talisman; upon exit, it encountered another powerful creature and still another numen showed up once the Hatake returned to its manor home--”
“There’s three of ‘em? Alright kid,” he said grabbing Sai by the wrist, “change of plans. You’re coming with me.”
Recherché
Centermost the square, black bunting, the color of mourning drapes the same platform she used to sign the new trade agreements weeks ago. Pushcart vendors and shopkeepers hawk their wares as they weave through a maze of tourists queued up for boat or carriage rides home. Her doubts still fresh as they lined up in the lobby, Lady Tsunade stands frozen at the entrance of the Complex, blankly staring out at the teeming plaza. With a whispered, ‘You can do this,’ and Ibiki’s confident smile at her back, she squares her shoulders and leads the somber procession through the crowd. The weight of expectant eyes monumental, focusing on her every step as she approaches the platform. Crossing the dais with head held high, she ends up grasping onto the lip of the podium for dear life. Curious faces, questioning eyes scrutinize every facial tic and twitch. Butterflies in her stomach refuse to settle, even after several steadying deep breaths. Blue uniforms act as cushions between her and the crowd. With Ibiki at her right hand and the Advisory members to her left, still her knees tremble. Shizune nudges her back to reality, lightly tapping at the back of her hand; a prepared statement slips under a sweaty palm.
The crowd quiets while she fumbles about with her pince-nez; silence descends like a shroud when she clears her throat to speak.
“People of Konoha ... I stand before you with a heavy heart. While we slept last night, a tsunami of tragedy swept through the territory. As you can see, four of our Council members are absent. Lords Akimichi and Nara are confirmed deceased; Lord Kokucho, his servant Kabuto and Lord Shimura are missing and presumed dead. Additionally, all members of clan Uchiha, as well as their servants, lay in the hospital’s temporary morgue … their ancestral home, burned to the ground. And if that weren’t enough … a deranged murderer claimed another victim.” She wiped away a solitary tear as wails of despair drifted up from those assembled. “Inspector Morino will provide us with further details, but before he comes … let us observe a moment of silence, honoring the lives of these great men and one of the founding families of Konoha.”
Motioning for the head priest, she stepped back to stand beside Ibiki. With head bowed and eyes closed, her heart broke as he lead the assemblage in prayer.
He was followed by Asahi, Konoha’s oldest and most revered sage who told them, “In the history of our land, this is not the first time we have been visited by such evil. Nay, even before we became a territory, a murderous entity would cyclically claim the lives of innocent women under the light of a full moon.” Even as murmured whispers of agreement rippled through the masses, he continued speaking, “As Konoha rose to prominence in the Land of Fire, it’s attacks became more frequent. Books of antiquity record how this evil followed a specific pattern; taking the lives of at least a dozen victims before it’s reign of terror ended. It would prey first on women of ill repute, slitting their throats open, draining their bodies of lifeforce. It would move on to women of modest reputation and finally ... to women of unquestioned chastity, those born into lives of wealth and privilege.” A hush fell over the crowd as these words. “Once it’s thirst for human blood was fulfilled, Konoha would enjoy many years of peace. In my day it was thought this ‘purge’ lifted the weight of our sins from the land … and these women, sacrifices for our prosperity. Ashamed to say, but the elders of my time rejoiced while grieving … this was regarded a righteous judgment from the gods and accepted with tears of thanksgiving. Last night, we witnessed a wonder in the night sky, one I’d heard tell of but never seen; a blood red moon. I trembled upon my bed, knowing it bode ill tidings. Unfortunately, I was right. This evil possessed the heart of a brilliant young man, driving him to slaughter his own family. Mark well, the land will absorb more innocent blood before the tally of our sins is paid in full.” As the wailing women lifted up their voices once more, the sage pressed on, “Save your tears, mothers of Konoha … beseech the gods for the protection of all those who luxuriate in the lap of privilege.”
The crowd stood in awe as Asahi stepped back gesturing the Inspector come.
“As our investigations are still ongoing, I’ll be brief and unable to take questions,” he began, laying two folded pieces of blank paper on the podium. “Lords Akimichi and Nara died somewhere between the Kokucho and Hatake estates. Coroner immediately suspected poison; ‘a toxic plant based substance,’ he said. As a precaution, we dispatched patrols to Lord Orochimaru’s home. They found the door to the manor ajar and signs of a violent altercation inside the conservatory--”
“I bet they’re still tied up in a antechamber waiting for help,” someone shouted. “Tell the truth ... your men were too lily-livered to look down in the basements, aye Inspector?”
He sharply cut his eyes at the heckler, baring his teeth in what was supposed to be a smile. “From cellar to rafters, my constables and their civilian counterparts scoured the manor and its adjacent grounds. Nary a body was rescued or recovered. Moving on ... in the wee hours of the morning, Uchiha Itachi presented himself to the watch commander stating he’d murdered his family and set their home aflame. Providing no motive for these actions, he summarily took his own life in the constabulary’s squad room.” As the crowd’s murmurings grew in volume, he lifted his voice, “Hours later, a patrol discovered the body of a young woman propped against the front door of the Complex. Coroner positively identified her as,” he looked questioningly at the paper before him, “… Uchiha Suté. Her body bore the same distinctive wounds as the other victims, however, there was evidence of ... a savage rape--”
That set off a tumult of outrage and disgust through the masses, which Ibiki allowed; the words ‘incest’ and ‘witchcraft’ popped up time and again, which he never discouraged or corrected.
Hands raised in a gesture of conciliation, he begged, “Your patience please. If you allow it, I’m gonna change course for a moment. We all know Emperor Meiji’s dictum to unite the Five Nations into one country has been met with pockets of resistance and outright bloody rebellions; rumors of naming Konoha capital of this new nation, made many our enemies. It is therefore with the utmost respect, that I must disagree with our honored sage. I’m of the unpopular opinion our destroyer is not an evil unseen, but persons, who--”
“Then why aint you caught ‘em yet?” rose above the crowd. “Big talk from ya, a wasted use of our tax money--”
“Yeah,” another spoke up, “the sage is right … how you reckon to protect us against a spirit?”
“Allow me to finish,” his words came softly, as if he were speaking to a frightened or confused child, “... you’re absolutely right. I can’t protect you from an eidolon--”
“See? What we need is an exorcist,” came another voice from the middle of the crowd. “Head priest oughta do somethin’ about that.”
“As I was saying,” Ibiki continued, “our history is well known amongst the other Four Nations. Those envious of our advances and successes have covertly moved against us in the past … sabotaging industry or stealing something more precious … the lives of our citizens. You know I speak the truth. It’s not outside the realm of possibility that this ‘unseen evil,’ would show up to again to prevent our dealings with the West--”
“Aww ... you’re crazy, it’s a spirit I tell ya!”
“No! Inspector’s on point,” bellowed another, “you ‘member when a gang from the Land of Earth burned down all four of our cotton mills? Our grandfathers hung ‘em in the town square--”
“Yeah, and before that … Land of Water pirates killed all them sailors--!”
The religious fanatics, those more secularly minded and the common sense plain folk each playing their parts, under the wary gaze of a master manipulator.
As Ibiki watched them bicker and fuss, hard pressed was he to keep the smirk lurking inside from showing up on his lips. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said at last, “it’s my determined desire to see these persons or nations held accountable and as the gods are my witnesses … brought to justice. The entire law enforcement community shares this commitment. I implore your help. If you saw or heard anything out of the ordinary last night, please … contact the constables immediately. Thank you.”
Done and done, he thought when he stepped away from the podium.
Recherché
“Well, you look a fright,” Izumo said turning from the morning dishes, as Iruka shuffled from his bedroom to the dining table.
“Tea … who do I hafta kill for a cup of it?”
“Coming right up and for heaven sake,” he chuckled, “sit down before you topple over.”
“Poking fun at a man with a heavy head …you taking Tetsu’s job?” Blearily he scanned the immediate area, “Where is he anyway?”
Tea strainer in hand, Izumo watched him wearily plonk down in the nearest chair. “The temple by now, I reckon. Went to talk to Michio about making us some amulets.”
“He’s gonna bust a gut, cause we don't need 'em anymore,” he said with a grin as he yanked through the hair tangled at his nape.
“Aha! I knew you kept a stash somewhere--”
“Nope … they’re all gone. It’s over Zumo … we’re done.”
“Here ... take a few sips of this; then we'll deal with this defeatist attitude of yours when you’re fully awake-- ”
“Not delusional you know ... just facing reality--”
“Hush up and drink.”
The warmth of the cup and the bouquet of Gyokuro tea lifted his spirits; savoring the first mellow sweet sip, he looked up and said, “Surprisingly good; sure Tetsu didn’t make this before he left?”
Izumo nudged him in the side he sat down. “I’m capable of many of things you know, good tea is but one.”
“We’re screwed buddy,” he said taking another swig, “absolutely, positively … screwed.”
Izumo held his peace and temper until Iruka emptied his cup and motioned for another. “Obstacles in the road don’t necessarily mean we’re on the wrong path,” he said from the kitchen. “Just the opposite.”
“I wholeheartedly disagree. With everything that’s happened, the universe is tryna tell me to abandon this stupid quest for revenge. For once ... I’m gonna listen.”
Just then, an out of breath Kotetsu barges into the cabin with Sai in tow. “Look who I ran into!”
“Yes, yes we can see … come in and sit down. Iruka is in the midst of a meltdown or an epiphany; haven’t figured which one yet.”
Sai acknowledged both men with a nod as he moved to take a seat at the far end of the table. Kotetsu strode in, standing by his own chair directly across from Iruka. “Time’s tickin’ on this breakdown; let’s go, let’s go … we got great news--!”
“Top of the morning to you too,” he said absently, “I was just telling Zumo, it’s time to pack it in … head for home--”
“Is he still drunk from last night? Ruka, where’s this coming from?”
“Not sure really,” he whispered when he took the cup from Izumo who sat down beside him. After running a finger around its rim, a tentative sip soothed a throat too dry. “I don’t understand it myself, but the desire to kill Hatake … just seemed to vanish.” Kotetsu shot a glance at Sai as Iruka continued, “You know … I almost feel sorry for him; sentenced to an eternity where hunger and thirst are never satisfied--”
“Like I give a damn about Hatake! The good news is, you’re not crazy after all! And it gets better … Sai knows what ails ya and how to fix it. Still,” he stroked at his goatee, “there’s the whole double thing, three numen and lots of dead folk-”
“Tetsu ... either make a coherent point or stop blathering--”
“Oh, so you want coherent,” he said stretching across the table to slap Iruka hard across the face, “there … point made. Ruka! Get a grip on yourself man, we got things to do!”
Izumo was on his feet and standing a breath away from Kotetsu in a flash. “Have you lost your damn mind,” he barked, “why’d you do that?”
“What? Needta slap you too?”
“Raise a hand to me,” Izumo said as he grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him close, “draw back a nub!”
“Gentlemen, please … there’s no need for--”
“Stay outta this kid,” Kotetsu hissed. “Been a long time comin’ eh, Zumo? Let’s see what we're working with ya little dandy!”
"God damn it!" Iruka’s chair made a cringe worthy scrape against the floor backward when he rocketed from it. "Zumo … let him go … and you, Tetsu, shut up!”
Izumo shoved the other man backward and no sooner did Kotetsu regain his balance that he might charge him, a gigantic snarling tiger suddenly appears between them. In an instant, long black ropes shoot out from its fur, binding the arms and legs of the would be combatants. Too startled to move, they look to Sai, an ink brush held loosely in one hand and a blank scroll hanging over the edges of the table.
“And here you thought my mice were frightening Mr. Tetsu,” he said with a quirky smile.
“That's it! Everybody calm down!" Iruka settled himself with a deep breath and looked to Kotetsu while rubbing at a reddening cheek, “Guess I needed that--”
“Yeah, you did. And this business about gettin’ kidnapped and that thing on your chest ... well according to Sai it really happened, so there!”
“Well,” Izumo whistled, “I’ll be damned--”
“Highly probable ya jackass. And … not only did Hatake arrange for our amulets to disappear, he killed another young woman last night. So, what’s it gonna be Ruka? We gonna keep sittin' on our thumbs? I say, hell no!”
“Yeah,” Izumo pitched in, “what he said!”
“Ruka, buddy ... I know how you feel about blood and guts, but it's gotta be done and soon. You, me … and this jerk,” he thrust his chin at Izumo, “we made a promise to end Hatake, remember? Now aint the time to turn tail and run. Speaking of which … for the love of god Sai, make this damn thing turn us loose!”
Sai moved to release the tiger but Iruka prevented him. “Not just yet,” he said, cutting his eyes between the two shamefaced friends. “You have something to say to one another?”
“Fine," Izumo mumbled, "I’m … sorry, okay?”
“Whatever.”
“You call that an apology Tetsu?”
“Just kidding Ruka ... geez,” he said with a smile. “Umm …Zumo ...sorry, alright … but damned if you don’t fight like a girl.”
Recherché
Escorting the Governor from the rostrum and into a waiting carriage, Ibiki turned, elbowing his way through the dispersing crowd. He bites down hard on the tip of an unlit cigar; wary of the smiling faces and pats on the back. Between shouts of
‘Well done,’
‘About damn time,’
‘We’re praying for you Inspector,’
which were mixed with
‘Take back all the bad stuff I said about ya,’ and
‘We know you’ll catch ‘em,’
his head was spinning. Jostled about as he patted himself down for a box of matches, an indistinct voice behind him said,
“I'd know that smirk anywhere …
exactly what do ya think got away with this time Inspector?”

NOTES:
Alacrity: cheerful readiness, promptness or willingness.
Ohgomadara butterfly: one of the largest class of butterfly in Japan; with a spotted design of black and white, it’s often called a ‘Newspaper Butterfly.’ Native to Okinawa.
Sic (sicced): to set upon or incite to hostile action; urge an attack, pursuit or harassment.
Rostrum: a raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech.
Shinji: “true second son.”
Gyokuro tea: also known as 'jade dew,' is considered one of the highest grades of Japanese green tea. It has a rich, savoury taste and is higher in caffeine than most green teas.
Whinge or whinging (British): complain persistently and in a peevish or irritating way.
Kaleidoscope: gathering of butterflies; also called a "swarm" or "rabble."
Bode: an omen of a particular outcome; (archaic) to announce beforehand.
Asahi: “ray of light on the shore, daybreak rising, morning sunshine, or bright rising.”
Dictum: formal pronouncement from an authoritative source.
Eidolon: a specter or phantom.
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