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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
- 45
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- 47
Gloomy the clouds of bluish gray cigar smoke hovering above wearied constables and their civilian counterparts adjacent the station house entrance. As Izumo wove his way round them, nary an eye apprehended, nor head turned. While they console and commiserate, smidgens of information leak through compacted groupings, painting gild edged portraits of barbarity. His contact stood alone by the stables. Lean and muscular like his fellows, black leather riding gloves cinched at the wrist, rough rolled blue sleeves of his uniform shirt, exposing tanned forearms. Unlike the others, he seemed a ray of sunshine, a beacon of optimism. Izumo approaches with caution, standing within earshot yet beyond the other man’s reach.
“Morning … didn’t expect to see you here--!”
With a brusque, “Then where’d you expect a constable to be?” Izumo is pushed back on his heels. “And it’s closer to noon than morning, jughead.” Turning from the posted duty roster, the angry voice recalculates and the glower becomes a sheepish grin. “Beg pardon … helluva long night.”
Hazel green eyes latch on to his, drawing Izumo in, all the while nudging him backward. “I, uh, don’t mean to impose, but would you care to join me for a cup of tea … that is,” he dared come closer, “if you aren’t just coming on shift?"
Wavy brown hair in need of a trim ruffles in the breeze, leather gloves disappear into the side pockets of navy jodhpurs when he moves closer. “Folks been awful generous this morning.” That friendly grin turns into a patent leer as he looks him up and down, “This right here, though … best offer I’ve had in a while.” The distance between them shrinks and once more, Izumo scrambles for words.
“Inns across the plaza … wait,” he laughed, “you knew that. I meant to say, since you’re a connoisseur, I’ll defer to you. Anywhere in particular?”
“I gotta little place by the docks; old lady what runs the joint makes better sweets than the bakeries. And as a bonus,” seeped out in a lazily suggestive drawl, “it’s all but deserted this time of day.”
Allowing his mouth opportunity to catch up with his brain, Izumo retreats once more, “Before we go, clean slate and all that, I’ve ... something to confess--”
“Much quicker than expected … gotta admire a man who knows what he wants.”
Warm spearmint scented breath washes over him as the officer draws closer by a step, “Um … right, terrible breach of etiquette; try to have this sewn up by the second meeting--”
“And what might that be?”
“Never got a handle on your name,” Izumo’s smile dimmed, “sorry about that,” he said backing up another step and extending a hand.
Met in an iron grip, the officer practically purred, “I don’t mind throwing, if you promise to catch. We square?”
“I, uh ... guess so?”
“Excellent, that’s sorted.” Relinquishing his grip he affects a bow, “Mikami Kazuhiko at your service, Kamizuki Izumo.”
“Now I’m rattled. How did you--?”
“When the Inspector was assigning eyes on the three of ya, made it my business to remember that name--”
“I assure you sir … we’re not criminals--!”
“Such the pity, I was looking forward to giving ya a right good rout.” Maintaining a stone face as Izumo’s expressions cycled through bewilderment, panic and spluttering outrage, he finally bid him, “Relax. We place all high level visitors under surveillance during their stay … for their safety and that of the territory.”
“The three of us, high level? Quite the jokester aren’t you?”
“You’ll find I never joke,” he said planting the flat of his hand to the small of Izumo’s back, “tavern’s this way. Your name stuck with me, not one heard round these parts; I’m fascinated--”
“Hiya Fascinated … I’m Flattered.” Izumo covered his mouth a minute too late. “Sorry, default to stupid jokes when I’m nervous.”
“It’s the badge … when it gets up close, folks get annoyed or skittish. So, the story behind your name?”
Izumo turned to face him, effectively breaking contact, “It means, ‘that one who comes out of the cloud.’ As strangers in a new land, my parents believed it would confer blessing and protection on me; so far, so good. Spent most of my childhood in England, and now,” he smiled, spreading wide his arms to ensure more distance between them, ‘Ta-da’! Here I am again. So, strange moon … strange goings on last night, eh?”
“Sure you’re right.   For us constables, when a twelve turns into a twenty hour shift ... that’s normal. When we stumble into a rich old guy’s conservatory soaked in blood... that makes things interesting.”
“Do tell.”
They hadn’t made it thirty paces from the station house proper before someone called after them. “Oi! Desk sergeant’s havin’ a hissy fit Mikami! Report missing from yer packet or somethin’--”
“Be there in a minute Sakai,” was barked over his shoulder. “Sorry bout that. I’ll look ya up sometime, maybe we can ... conversate over a leisurely dinner.”
“Uh … yeah … sure.” Izumo swore he still felt the patrolman’s eyes boring into his back as he beat a hasty retreat across the plaza.   To the inn where they spent their first nights he took refuge.   Sitting alone by the big bay windows, he nursed a lukewarm cup of tea, and drank deep from free flowing fountains of gossip.
“... was all a big to-do,” he heard one man say. “Old sage kept snatchin’ Morino’s chestnuts out the campfire--”
“Talk of flames,” someone to his right said, “you know my brother been workin’ with the fire brigade for years; he ain't never seen the likes of that, ever. Uchiha manor ain't even gotta foundation left no more ... bricks, mortar, everything ... dust--”
“And all ‘em folks burnt to a crisp,” her companion answered, “a fire come from hell I say… only thing what explains it. Us common folk beware … the gods is purgin’ the land--”
“Could be fact, I hear the constables finally busted up that gang of pickpockets, thank the gods, used to hold money in my teeth when I went market day...”
And yet another explained, “Shinji’s on the warpath ... had a huge fall out with the peelers over to the station this morning. Can’t blame him. He coulda pulled the procession if’n his wagons and such hadn’t got stole--”
“Weren’t your grandson workin’ for him last night?”
“Aye; we’ll hear his side on it directly. That boy mooches a breakfast from here every day, bless his heart. Aint seen him yet though, must be havin’ a lie in after workin’ into the wee hours ...”
Just as their conversations turned to the mundane, Izumo spied Iruka coming down the road apiece. Dropping a few coins beside his empty cup, he rises to prevent the other man at the inn’s cafe entrance.
“Wow... color me three shades wrong! Just knew you and your constable pal were off doing your thing. Do I have time to nick in for a cup of tea?”
“You don’t and excuse me for spoiling your alone time,” he grumbled steering Iruka by his elbow.
“What’s with you? Crap ... bad news isn't it?”
“Depends which end of the telescope you’re on--”
“How’s that?”
“Never mind … keep walkin.’ You’re in an uncharacteristically ebullient mood, I take it things went well with Sai?”
“Finding out you’re not insane does that to a person. Funny … think you know somebody--”
Forking fingers through his hair, guilty thoughts obliterate the remainder of Iruka’s words. “Say again?”
“Do pay attention. I said, the backbone of a plan; we’ll flesh it out this evening.”
They continue along the mall in silence, stopping now and again to press their noses against pastry shop windows when not dodging delivery men.
“Why is everyone in such a hurry this morning?”
“Who knows?” Izumo shrugged as he looked down at the path, “Maybe something in the air--”
“About that,” Iruka said yanking him from the path of another reckless pushcart driver, “whatever's in the air seems to be affecting you as well. I need you clear headed for this meeting, so go on … spill.” Finding the cobblestone path far more interesting, Izumo simply shook his head. “Honestly, it’s like pulling hen’s teeth. Did something weird happen between you and your man … cause you made a face when I brought it up before--?”
“It wasn’t weird, and he’s not my man!”
“Okay… thought that was a simple question, why are you shouting?”
“Because,” he jabbed his hands in his pockets, “I did something incredibly stupid, alright?”
“Look who we live with; if that doesn't make us experts at fixing stupid, I don’t know what does.”
“It’s embarrassing--”
“We said no more secrets. I promise not to laugh,” he crossed his heart, “talk.”
After kicking a clod of dirt to dust, Izumo admitted, “My contact has a name and our meeting went left from the start. The information I gave you? Pieced together from conversations at the station house and the inn--”
“So what? The best intel is gathered that way--”
“And ... your big mouthed friend,” he inhaled a deep breath and blew it out slow, “he was right about that officer all along.”
“You know Tetsu ... he knows things. Still not seeing the problem--”
“Fine! I may have accidentally ... , he might have thought … that I was, edgin’ up on him or somethin,’ understand now?”
“Yes, and so does everyone else within earshot.   Zumo, I’m sure he didn’t think you were flirting with him--”
“Wanna bet?” Glancing around to make sure no one was eavesdropping this time, he whispered, “Said he was gonna look me up … wants to have dinner sometime--”
“Again, let’s take a breath and think this through. Based on what we both heard, it was a hectic night for the constables, yes? Maybe this guy just enjoyed having someone bright and cheerful around to take his mind off everything about last night--”
“Maybe.”
“It's a workable theory so let’s run with it. First, settle yourself. I doubt he’ll come looking for you, but, should he come calling, just speak plain. Then again,” Iruka rubbed at his chin, “timing is everything--”
“Now what are you on about?”
“I mean, things could take a horrible turn. Who would blame the man for being angry if you wait until after he springs for dinner to dump him?”
A rabbit punch to the shoulder left Iruka grimacing. “Laugh that off wise ass--”
“I’m sorry, okay?”
“No, you aren’t--”
“Fine, I’m not. But if you could’ve seen the look on your face just now … you woulda done the same thing if the situation were reversed--”
“Begone, false friend--!”
“Least you’re laughing, wouldn’t do to have you meet Lady Tsunade with a sour puss--”
“That’s the other thing,” Izumo stopped in his tracks, “I think we oughta leave Hatake’s name out the discussion--”
“Why? It’s only the whole point of the meeting. How are we supposed to tell her about what happened if we don’t mention his involvement?”
“Say you woke up with a rash around your throat and that thing on your chest--”
“What? Zumo, we’re either gonna tell her the truth, or we might as well turn around and go home.”
“Sounds like a plan--”
“Nothing doing. I know you remember the Governor and I used to meet on the regular. We'd pass the time talking about my father’s work and all the while, she not so subtly tried to convince me to make peace with Hatake--"
“Yeah, I remember. That was then.”
He clapped him on the shoulder and smiled, “I got a good feeling about this ... she’ll believe me.”
“And if she doesn't?”
Recherché
“How many times I needta tell ya? Yeah, I gotta snootful, so what? More than capable of executing the functions of this office and performing my sworn duties; military taught me that much--”
“Not very comforting Inspector--”
“That’s it ... out you go!”
“Nope. Ain't going nowheres till you prove you can walk a straight line.”
“You’re a gargantuan pain in my ass... ya know that ‘date?”
“It's my job … I got younger sibling syndrome--”
“Then we should get the hell outta here before I make myself an only child.” As was his habit of late, Ibiki reached into his top desk drawer and scooped up the dog-eared police report from London before leaving. As they maneuver the crowded squad room, Idate remained at his elbow, nattering on about something or another. Finally, out into the cool morning breeze as they stood on the constabulary’s stoop, the mental fog lifted long enough for him to see Umino and Kamizuki coming down the lane toward the plaza. The hell are they doing in town?
“… had a nerve to look at me like I was nuts, ya believe that? Hey,” he poked him, “old man … I’m talkin’ to ya! Biki? You look like a bird dog on point; what’s up?”
“Nothing ... old friends on the edge of the plaza. Reckon I oughta mosey over and say howdy--”
“Mosey …. howdy? Sure you’re okay big fella?”
Ibiki nodded, never turning his gaze from the two men blending in with the crowd. Climbing into the buckboard, Idate paused, “Offer’s still on the table if you wanna come up--”
“Get … fore Tsume comes to collect ya,” he absently shooed him away. “See ya when I see ya.” When he was sure his brother wouldn’t turn back, Ibiki started wading through the plaza; a watchful eye on his targets making their way toward the Complex.
What are these buffoons are up to this time?
Recherché
The bent and twisted old man slowly rose from his meager table as Jiraiya forced his way into the domicile. “Greetings, good sir. How may I be of assistance?”
The void between them spanned in the course of three breaths. “Lord Sakumo’s writings speak of a detriment to Lord Kakashi. You will guide me to it.”
“Ah yes; the impediment which lies in the bosom of our origins … the Land of Lightning. Alas, Lord Sakumo never provided its precise location, nor defined what manner of thing it was.”
“You dare lie to me? I know you have the maps!” Grabbing hold the man by his throat, Jiraiya lifted him to eye level. “And I also know, the secrets of the ancients are not withheld from your knowledge--”
“My Lord,” he spluttered, “I know of its existence … but I swear, never was its substance made known … I was forbidden to inquire!”
“Silence! When I return this evening, you will produce what I desire … or suffer my wrath!”
Unceremoniously dropped to the floor, the shaman lay in a heap when Jiraiya disappeared in an angry puff of acrid black smoke.
Recherché
“See,” he sighed as they pressed inside the building, “told you this was a bad idea. We should come back later--”
“Ain’t gonna get none better,” the man behind them supplied, “assessment week.”
“As I’ve no intention of standing around here all morning ... Zumo, you trust me?”
“Not when you got that look in your eye--”
“Come along.” Grabbing him by the wrist, they cut a swath through the crowd, heading straight for the reception desk where Iruka tapped the countertop with authority. “Good morning, we're here to see Lady Tsunade.”
“My apologies sir,” the clerk offered with a tight smile, “but this day dawned on a land in mourning. As such, all non-essential meetings with the Governor are cancelled until further notice.”
“I curse our timing and extend condolence, however, after traveling considerable distance, I hope you understand that we refuse dismissal. I’ll thank you to fetch her assistant.”
“But sir--”
“Now, please … thank you.”
Slamming her pencil to the counter she left her post mumbling, “Waste of time; she’s gonna tell ya the same thing!”
“I’ve two points of concern,” Izumo said as the rotund clerk stomped away, “given the circumstances, you realize Lady Tsunade won’t be in the frame of mind to humor us--?”
“Way to stay positive--”
“Guess anxiety in the air is having an effect on you too; Umino Iruka making a scene … sure you’re all right buddy?”
“Never better. It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease--”
“Or … it gets replaced--”
“Shush, I know what I’m doing.”
Ibiki chuckled to himself as he peeked round the corner of the welcome area reserved for dignitaries, They got stones … and they’re about to get crushed.
Wasn’t long before the clerk emerged from a side office with a haggard looking Shizune in tow. “Ah, morning, Dr. Umino ... Mr. Kamizuki. As I’m sure you already know, the Governor isn’t taking--”
“Is she in the building?”
“Yes sir, but--”
“Wonderful. Lady Tsunade and I have been discussing a specific medical issue for months; it has finally reached a point where she must intervene. You and the clerk informed us her schedule is clear, that means she has time for us--”
“Now see here,” she said as Iruka rounded the counter, “you can’t just barge in and expect her to--!”
“My good woman, what I expect, is for the Governor to meet and hold fast obligations made," came out slam-bang, "You will conduct us to her office … now!”
The clamorous room fell quiet as those gathered attended their conversation with itching ears.
“If you insist, Dr. Umino,” she hissed emphasis on his title, “right this way.” Once ushered into the outer conference room, the facade of arrogance shattered; a blitz of apologies fall on deaf ears as Iruka pled for a few minutes of the Governor’s time.
“I understand, however, Lady Tsunade gave strict orders not to be disturbed. So unless you can prove this is a bona fide emergency, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”
“Miss Shizune, it isn’t an emergency, but it is imperative we speak with her … our situation is dire.”
Sighing, she cast a final glance between the sincere Umino and sincerely confused Kamizuki. “Gonna regret this later, but her private office is straight down that hallway. I hereby absolve myself of responsibility for whatever happens once you knock on that door.”
Recherché
Through the heavy oaken door, he hears him pacing the room. A breath to reaffirm purpose, another to settle himself. “My Lord … a moment,” he said as the hinges creak upon themselves.
“Jiraiya … impeccable timing. I've a bothersome situation.”
To the center of the room he came, kneeling as Master ascended to his bed. “My Lord?”
“It’s Maito,” he sighed as he sat down, “surly, disobedient...finding new ways of getting himself into mischief. I’ve talked to him Jiraiya, thrashed him and even chastised him; nothing seems to work.   Tell me, does a blood red moon negatively affect those of your kind?”
“It’s only known effects are marked increases in our physical strength and libido, which might be part of the problem. One good rut …he’ll be fine. But I too have noticed a churlishness in his manner of late. What sort mischief is he getting up to?”
Master folded his arms over his chest, “Take this morning for example. I went looking for the laboratory key and couldn’t help noticing several books and scrolls in Father’s private library were disturbed. Very unlike Maito to do something like that.”
“Yes … but he is not at fault my Lord; that was my doing and the reason I came to speak with you. If the Hatake are to rule over the Five Great Nations, we must first prepare for war--”
“Correct. Yet another thing that robs me of rest,” he sighed. “With each full moon my army enlarges … full of recreants, no doubt. You’re determining the verity of their allegiance?”
“As we speak Master, vetting is in progress. Now then, back to Lord Sakumo’s writings. I hoped to find information useful to weaken neighboring numina. Naturally,” he said fumbling about in the pouch slung over his chest, “your father had that bit covered.” Rising, he ascends the first step of Master’s bed; bowing low, he presents a scroll upon cupped palms. “I added current troop strengths just this morning.” Upon returning to his original place, he continued, “Lord Sakumo identified strongholds cast over each of the Four Nations. Sloth and gluttony in the Land of Earth, envy and greed in the Land of Wind, and lust reigns over the Land of Water. Pride, is the regime of the Land of Fire. As you know my Lord, strongholds are in fact, weaknesses to each of these numina.” He waited quietly as Master scanned the information provided. “Since I found no conclusive information about the Land of Lightning, I also paid a visit to the shaman of the woods. Enfeebled of mind, he was not much help. Still, you hold in your hands a systematic plan of conquest. With your permission, I will travel to the Land of Lightning--”
“Denied,” the Master said without looking up, “at least… temporarily--”
“Lord Kakashi … time is of the essence--!”
“Of this, I am aware.”
“And are you also aware that everything I do is in tribute to the memory of my friend ... your father?” The slight taken in stride, Master cut his eyes at his servant as he went on, “Each day we defer the gathering of intelligence, we give advantage to our enemies.”
“I believe I said, this journey of yours is postponed; I’ve need of your skills here in Konoha--”
“Emperor Meiji’s intent to unite Japan is forcing our hand; with rapidity must we move--”
“You would speak to me as one ignorant?”
“Never … simply affirming I’ve a better grasp of what should be our priority--”
“I see, this malady of disrespect and rebellion only afflicts the lycanthropic mind--”
“Neither is true of me, Lord Kakashi. Even as I beg forgiveness, you must allow me speak unbounded.”
Master nodded, “You’re advised to pay heed your tone.”
“Thank you. While I anticipate victory, to ensure it, three things are necessary; a supreme commander to strategize, a general to implement said strategy and an army to bring to fruition those plans conceived by their commander--”
“By whose authority are you promoted to the rank of General?”
“Lord Hatake Kama bestowed that honor long ago. I shoulder the mantle again, because neither you nor Maito have ever seen war. Inexperience is a handicap we can ill afford. While you are indeed a brilliant strategist, you still need someone out there in the trenches to lead your army--”
“Point taken. You’ve lived through tumultuous times Jiraiya. I rest assured you’ve learned from mistakes made in the past--”
“Lord Kama, fiercest of all the Hatake, also desired rule over the Five Great Nations and would have, had not an enemy attenuated his strength through that which he held dear. My Lord you’ve made yourself vulnerable to the same sort attack ... for the sake of your father, I will not stand idle watching your desire wither on the vine.”
The shaman used the same word when he spoke to Maito … interesting.   “Then how fortunate am I to have you fighting with, not against us. And at the risk of thrice repeating myself, you will be released to the Land of Lightning after completing the task I have for you. Are we understood?”
Through gritted teeth his servant replied, “As you wish my Lord.”
“Now then, back to Maito … any recommendations?”
“Tis a delicate balance. Creatures like him, require firm handed guidance and swift correction that he might learn. But since you’ve made a disgusting habit of coddling him, I believe these acts of disobedience are a cry for structure and discipline--”
“You’re wrong … I’ve been too strict. Allowing Maito off the leash more frequently might help expend pent-up energy. Besides, a good rut never hurt anybody.
Excellent suggestion Jiraiya, you're dismissed, for now.”
Recherché
Are you kiddin’ me?
Ducking behind a pillar, Kotetsu held his breath. The hell’s he doing here? I been tracking this guy all morning and now, here you come?
“There you are,” he heard Genma say. “Thank your Master for saving me a trip; never woulda got the procession squared away if it weren’t for you guys. Pretty resourceful for cloistered monks--”
“Master will be pleased. You’ll pardon me sir … I’ve several matters to attend, as I’m sure you do.”
“Right, carry on.”
Remaining in place until the sound of hard soled footsteps faded, Kotetsu nearly jumped out of his skin when Michio appeared at his elbow.
“Come quickly sir!”
Recherché
NOTES:
Commiserate (archaic): feel, show or express pity for someone.
Console: alleviate or lessen the grief, sorrow or disappointment of; give solace or comfort.
Gild (archaic): to make red as with blood.
Barbarity: brutal or vicious acts.
Jodhpurs: full-length trousers worn for horseback riding, that are close-fitting below the knee with reinforced patches on the inside of the leg.
Mikami: “something bestowed from above (from one’s superior or a deity).
Kazuhiko: “respectable man, has both wit and virtue.
Rout: find or get by searching or rummaging.
Prevent (archaic): make impossible for someone to do something.
Ebullient: overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited.
Mall: a large area, usually lined with trees and shrubbery used as a public walk or promenade.
Condolence: sympathy with another in sorrow.
Slam-bang: with noisy violence.
Peelers (archaic): police officers.
Chastise (archaic): to restrain or to inflict punishment on, as by whipping.
Vetting: thoroughly investigating someone, especially to determine if they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty or trustworthiness.
Buckboard: an open, four wheeled, horse drawn carriage with seating attached to a plank stretching between the front and rear axles.
Rut: a periodic recurring state of certain male animals during which behavior associated with the urge to breed is displayed.
Snootful: enough alcoholic drink to make one drunk.
Recreant: unfaithful, traitorous; (archaic): cowardly.
Regime: In politics, a regime is the form of government or set of rules, cultural or social norms that regulate operation of a government or institution and its interactions with society. A system of rules that control something.
Stronghold: a place dominated by a particular group or marked by a particular characteristic. A demonic stronghold represents spiritual powers which keep captive these particular characteristics in the minds of people who accept them as accurate ways of thinking about or doing something.
Lycanthropy, from the Greek (lykanthropia - wolf-man), originally applied to the transformation of persons (witches) into wolves. One capable of assuming the form of a wolf while retaining human intelligence. In Greek mythology, the story of Lycaon supplies one of the earliest examples of a werewolf legend. According to one form of it, Lycaon was transformed into a wolf as a result of eating human flesh; one of those who were present at periodical sacrifice on Mount Lycaon was said to suffer a similar fate. Werewolves, which have their origin in English folklore, are human beings that have been changed into humanoid wolves whereas lycans are humanoid wolves. Both the lycan and werewolf possess great superhuman powers, agility, speed, regenerative abilities, coordination, and have excellent tracking abilities. Werewolves and lycans have almost the same physical strength. Unlike the werewolf, lycans are said to be smarter. When compared to a werewolf, a lycan is a bit more muscular. While a lycan is said to be religious, a werewolf represents witchcraft. Lycans are more difficult to kill than werewolves. To kill a lycan, one would have to sever the spine from its body. They cannot be killed using silver. On the other hand, a werewolf can be killed with silver objects piercing them in the head or the heart.
Cloistered: kept away from the outside world; sheltered.
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