A/N Once again thanks to all those who reviewed. :)
Chapter 3 - The Final Member
There was only a week left until the academy graduation exams, and Ibiki knew that if he wanted to train Naruto and Shikamaru, he needed to make his move now. With that in mind, Ibiki was in the Hokage Tower on his way to convince his village leader that putting two innocent pre-teens into his capable, yet sadistic, hands was a good idea.
Ibiki made it into his leaders office with little difficulty. There was a smile on Hokage-sama's face as he greeted Ibiki, "Ah Ibiki, welcome. I far as I know you are not looking into anything that would require my immediate attention. So, what is your motivation for visiting me today?"
Ibiki straightened and looked the Hokage strait in the eye as he said, "Pending completion of there graduation exam, I would like to take Uzumaki Naruto and Nara Shikamaru as my students."
Sarutobi stiffened, narrowed his eyes in anger, and with all the commanding power of the Hokage position behind him said, "No. I will not force two children to lose their innocence in such a way. Their innocence will be lost soon enough, but it will not be through the gruesomeness of torture and interrogation training."
Ibiki bowed his head in acknowledgment of his Kage's words, but still resolutely continued, "With all due respect Hokage-sama, Naruto lost his innocence a long time ago. It's hard to be innocent when your reminded daily how hated you are." At Ibiki's words Sarutobi lurched back as if he had been slapped, and Ibiki could see sorrow in his eyes, and then anger.
Ibiki knew his last remark had put him on thin ice, but he was determined to get his way, and so, stiffening his will, he continued, "Also Hokage-sama, I do not intend to take them anywhere near the interrogation rooms for several months at least. Both Naruto and Shikamaru have bad habits that need to be dealt with. They also need to be taught more about the human mind before they will even be able to understand what's going on in an interrogation. While I know they will still be young, they will at least be losing their innocence at the same time as others Genin begin to lose theirs. "
Ibiki paused as he contemplated the best way to bring the Hokage around to his view, and in the end decided brutally honest was the way to go, "I am not asking to train these two now because I enjoy the thought of removing their innocence. The fact is, T&I is in desperate need of skilled interrogators. Out of all the interrogators only Anko and myself have the skill required to break harder prisoners. Anko and I get swamped on a daily basis, and it's becoming more common for me to call in the services of Inoichi because I just don't have the time to break the prisoners. Naruto and Shikamaru are naturals at reading people and getting information. If I can teach them how to use their natural talents, I believe, they could surpass Inoichi in skill. I don't want to bring them in this early Hokage-sama, but I need them; and the sooner I get them the sooner they can lighten the load at T&I. I know you want to protect their innocence, but is the innocence of two children worth the chance of being too late to use vital information because we didn't have a chance to get to a knowledgeable prisoner sooner?"
Sarutobi leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful look on his face. After several minutes of thought he frowned and brought his attention back to Ibiki, "Your thoughts have merit, so I will give you a chance." Ibiki relaxed slightly and a small satisfied smirk came to his face, at least until the Hokage continued, "However, because I still do not believe this is a good idea; I am adding certain conditions. First, you must convince Iruka that this is a good idea. Also since you will be replacing a Jonin-sensei, you must convince one of the sensei to give up their teaching position. That sensei cannot under any circumstances be Kakashi. Finally, Iruka anticipates nine graduating Genin this year. So, in order to keep the teams even you must chose one of the graduating Konoichi to be on your team."
Ibiki frowned at the last condition, "Konoichi aren't usually cut out for T&I work Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi smiled, "That will remain a condition. Consider it a challenge to prove just how much you want this team."
While being less than pleased about the final condition Ibiki was still grateful to the Hokage for the chance, and was determined to succeed. So, with a final bow, Ibiki prepared to leave with a "By your leave sir?". At the Hokage's nod Ibiki exited the room, and decided to go convince Iruka first. After all, he would probably be the most difficult to convince. Besides, he had the class list, and Ibiki needed to find a Konoichi. At that thought Ibiki paused and glanced at a nearby clock which read 12:03 p.m.. 'Perfect', Ibiki thought, 'Iruka's little students probably just got out for lunch, if I go now I should be able to observe the future Konoichi. Hopefully there will be a girl as talented as Naruto and Shikamaru are.' So with a swirl of leaves Ibiki disappeared from the Hokage tower and appeared at the edge of the Academy playground, already searching among Iruka's students for any talented Konoichi.
Ibiki was disappointed. He had been studying the potential Konoichi in Iruka's class for almost a half hour. Out of all of them it looked like only three of them had the skills necessary to pass the exam. Out of those three one was so painfully shy it was a puzzle as to why she wanted to be a Konoichi in the first place. Another of the three was Inoichi's daughter, and therefore off limits. No doubt Inoichi would want to teach his daughter about information gathering himself. The last of the three was a pathetic pink haired girl. By her looks, this was probably Haruno Sakura. She was a rabid Sasuke fanatic, and didn't look like she had the body of a Konoichi. Just like Iruka had described her. The only good thing he could think of about her was that if she had no skill he could make her into whatever he wanted her to be.
A commotion near where he was hiding pulled him out of his thoughts. He saw Naruto and Sakura in a loud discussion. "Come on Sakura!" Naruto said in a loud whiny voice, "all I'm asking for is one date!" Ibiki frowned, Naruto had a lot of potential at reading people, he couldn't be dense enough to see Sakura as anything worth chasing. Unless there was more to Sakura than he had seen in the last half hour.
Sakura gave a frustrated yell and hit Naruto on the head, hard, "Naruto! How many times have I told to stop bothering me! If you keep following me around I'll have no chance at Sauske-kun!" Sakura hit Naruto again, " If you ask me one more time I'm gonna hog tie you, smear you with honey, and leave you on top of an ant hill!"
Naruto gulped, pouted and then said in a weedily voice, "Ah Sakura why'd you need to be so mean to me?" Sakura didn't answer just gave "Humph!" and walked away from a pouting Naruto. Ibiki, after watching the entire fight, had a feral grin on his face. Iruka hadn't mentioned Sakura's temper. Sakura was pathetic, and would need a lot of work. However she seemed to have some potential for torture. During her Anthill threat he had seen the slightest hint of Anko. If Sakura could end up anything like Anko she'd be one heck of an interrogator. With a smirk Ibiki went to tell Iruka he was coming by for a discussion after class. After all he had his team hand picked. Now it was time to make sure he got it.
Iruka was having a good day. He had survived Ibiki's lessons with only minor mental scarring, and now after learning all Ibiki had to teach him, with any luck he wouldn't have to see Ibiki for a very long time. "Iruka!" Iruka gave a yelp and spun around to see Ibiki was behind him, and at that moment decided Luck was a sadist. "I..Ibiki w..wh..what can I do for you?" Iruka inwardly winced, he just stuttered in front of Ibiki. You never stuttered in front of Ibiki! It was like asking Ibiki to mess with your head and hurt you.
Iruka was surprised when Ibiki ignored the open invitation he had given for pain and instead stated, "Iruka I have something I need to talk to you about. When can I come by?"
Iruka was wary, this had to be a trap of some kind. However, after taking a minute to try and find the trap and not succeeding, he reluctantly replied, "I'm- free today after classes. So, around 15:30 I could meet with you."
Ibiki nodded, "Good. I'll see you at 15:30 then." With that Ibiki disappeared in a shushin while Iruka watched.
For the rest of the school day Iruka was jumpy. So jumpy, in fact, that even his students expressed concern. Iruka kept wishing time would freeze so he wouldn't have to face Ibiki, but it seemed Time was a sadist too. Because instead of time going slower it seemed to go faster than ever, and before he realized it, it was 15:30 and Iruka could see Ibiki darkening his door. As soon as Iruka saw Ibiki he jumped to his feet, "Ibiki! Ahh... come in and have a seat." Ibiki looked around the room at the multiple desks with chairs connected and then turned his gaze to Iruka's chair, which happened to be the only chair that wasn't connected to a desk. Ibiki turned his eyes back to Iruka and raised a single eyebrow.
Iruka realizing his mistake blushed and in a sheepish voice said, "We can go to the teachers' lounge there are plenty of chairs in there, and there's also more privacy."
Ibiki nodded, "Lead the way, and be sure to bring your current team placement sheet."
Iruka paused in confusion, "Why would you need the team placement sheet?"
Ibiki frowned, "I'll explain that when we're both comfortable, and have a bit more privacy."
Although still confused Iruka nodded and led Ibiki to the teachers' lounge. Once there they took seats across from each other and Ibiki gestured toward the team placement sheet, and with a nonverbal motion asked for it. Iruka was beginning to feel more and more edgy, but still handed the team placement sheet to Ibiki. After about five minutes in which Ibiki studied the paper, and Iruka tried not to fidget; Ibiki placed the paper down and said, "You've done a good job with team placement. However, I would like to ask your opinion on an idea for a fresh Genin team that came to me." Iruka nodded and motioned for Ibiki to continue, "I would like to suggest that Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, and Haruno Sakura be placed on a specialized team together. Their team would specialize in information gathering, and their Jonin-sensei would be me."
Iruka jumped up with a incredulous look on his face, "Are you nuts! You want to take twelve year olds and teach them how to use torture!"
Ibiki frowned and narrowed his eyes, "I said their team would specialize in information gathering. While torture is a tool used for gathering information, it is hardly the only one. I would teach this team all the tools, and I will postpone teaching them how to use torture for as long as possible."
During Ibiki's speech Iruka had slowly sunk back into his chair. Now once again fully seated, he still had an extremely distrusting look on his face, "You're Ibiki the sadist, you specialize in torture. Why on earth would I hand innocent kids over to you?"
"While it's true I specialize in torture," Ibiki said, " It is by no means my only skill. As for why you should hand these three over to me, it's because I can help them." Iruka snorted, but Ibiki ignored him and continued, "Due to his tenant, Naruto is strongly disliked, and while I don't think his sensei would intentionally hold back Naruto; he might hold Naruto back without realizing he's doing it. You may not know this Iruka, but when Naruto was growing up he had an ANBU guarding him at all times. While some of the ANBU who watched him still aren't too fond of him. Most of the ANBU who watched him grew vary attached to him. Several of those same ANBU who already like Naruto owe me favors. I wouldn't mind calling in some of those favors to ensure Naruto gets properly trained."
Iruka looked thoughtful, "Alright, it might be an advantage for Naruto, but what about the other two?"
Ibiki leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees, "Sakura is aggressive and has anger management problems that tend to bleed over into violence." Iruka opened his mouth to argue but froze, when Ibiki raised his hand in a stopping motion, "You may not want to acknowledge it Iruka but it's true. While observing your class I noticed several times when Sakura hit someone for slight infractions." Ibiki gave a small amused smile, when Iruka saw the smile he shuddered, "I even saw Sakura come up with a very creative torture technique for Naruto when he asked her on a date. If Sakura's violent tendencies aren't stopped or redirected, then she could end up facing charges of treason for attacking a comrade out of a sparing match. I can give Sakura a useful outlet for her violence, so she won't end up in that situation."
Iruka's face was pale and he looked very distressed. In a quiet voice he asked, "And, what about Shikamaru?"
Ibiki leaned back, "Right now you have Asuma as Shikamaru's sensei, and while Asuma is one of our best Jonin; he is also very lazy. From what I've observed Shikamaru is brilliant, but also a sloth. If you put Shikamaru with Asuma I guarantee Shikamaru will never reach his full potential. With me he will not only become an excellent strategist, I will teach him how to read his opponent, so that he will be very accurate in reading an enemy's strategy. He will also learn the value of working hard when on duty. While I realize my argument for helping Shikamaru isn't very convincing, keep in mind this team comes as a package deal I can't help Naruto or Sakura if I can't help Shikamaru too."
Iruka had a bit of a dazed look on his face, but as the minutes passed the dazed look faded to be replaced with one of understanding, "I agree with you, and I'll support you in getting this team. I just hope these three can forgive me for putting them with you."
Ibiki nodded, "Your support is welcome, now if you'll excuse me, I need to go convince Asuma that he doesn't really want to be a sensei." Iruka waved to Ibiki as he walked out the door.
Asuma was having a terrible day. This morning he got stood up for the breakfast date he'd finally convinced Kurinai to have with him. Than he got into an argument with his old man the Hokage over whether or not he'd be taking on a genin team. Of course his dad won; you don't just say no to your commander in chief, but that didn't stop Asuma from trying. What did he want with a genin team? They'd probably all be hyperactive go getters who wouldn't give him any chances to relax. Yes, Asuma was at his limit, he prayed no other bad news would come his way today, or he would blow a gasket.
Asuma looked up from his sulking to scan the street for a good place to eat. As he looked, he saw Ibiki trying to get his attention, and moved toward him.
When Asuma got to Ibiki he nodded in greeting, "Ibiki, how are you today?".
Ibiki nodded in return, " I'm doing well Asuma, but I have something of relative importance to discuss with you. Since it's about noon how about treat you to lunch, and we can discuss it while we're eating."
Asuma frowned and a wary look crossed his face, "Is this bad news? Because with the day I've had so far today, if it is, I don't want to hear it."
"With this news it depends on your point of view." Ibiki stated, "It could either be really good, or really bad news. To find out which your just going to have to take a chance. I'd rather discuss this matter when we're both comfortable, since I don't know how long it's going to take."
Asuma slouched in relative defeat, "A chance of good news huh? I suppose I'll take what I can get. At least I get a free meal out of it. Lead on Ibiki."
Ibiki gave a firm nod, "Good. Lets head to the Akamichi's barbecue place; there's good food there and a fair amount of privacy."
Asuma gave a small smile and nod at hearing where they were going to eat. Then he followed Ibiki to fill his stomach, and start what would hopefully be a better second half to this awful day.
Asuma smiled at the mouthwatering smell of the freshly cooked barbecue, and closed his eyes at the savory melt in your mouth taste of the meat. He was brought out of his culinary heaven by the sound of Ibiki clearing his throat. When Asuma turned his attention back to Ibiki he saw that Ibiki had one eyebrow raised, and an entertained look on his face. Well a look that was as close to entertained as Ibiki got. Asuma sent an embarrassed grin Ibiki's way, "So, what did you want to talk to me about Ibiki?"
Ibiki's amused look dropped, "I heard you were made a jonin sensei. What do you think of that?"
Asuma glowered, "I hate it! This little assignment is being forced on me by dad, it's almost enough to send me back to the twelve ninja guardians."
Although he didn't show it Ibiki was surprised. To date, the worst experience in Asuma's life, at least as far as Ibiki knew, took place in the ninja guardians. that Asuma was tempted to go back to that nightmare to escape being a jonin-sensei was encouraging. So Ibiki smiled, "Well then how would you like a chance to get out of being a sensei?"
Asuma straightened and fixed Ibiki with an intense stare, "How? What would I need to do?"
Ibiki paused to consider the best way to go about telling Asuma his plan, "You would need to support my idea."
Asuma's face took on a confused look, "What Idea?"
Ibiki looked Asuma strait in the eye as he said, "I want to have Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, and Haruno Sakura placed together as a team that would specialize in information gathering. I would be their jonin-sensei."
Asuma looked stunned, and then as the idea of straight-laced, perfectly ordered Ibiki trying to control three green brats hit his brain. he couldn't help but laugh. Several diners stared at Asuma's loud laugh.
Ibiki, however, didn't find Asuma's mirth amusing, and said in a dangerous growl, "What's wrong with my idea?
Asuma felt a cold chill seep into his body, and didn't find it hard at all to suppress his laughter, "I'm sorry Ibiki. I just can't picture you as a teacher; especially not for green genin."
Ibiki's scowl lightened by a small amount, "I won't deny they're green, but they also all showed significant talent for T&I work. I can help each one of them reach their full potential. Besides Asuma, you should remember that by supporting my idea, you get out of being a sensei."
Asuma sat back and gave Ibiki a serious searching look, "Do you really think you can do this Ibiki? Can you teach raw genin, and do it without completely breaking them?"
Ibiki sat to his full height and looked Asuma strait in the eye as he said, "Yes. I can teach them, and I can make them the best."
Asuma just stared at Ibiki for a sew seconds, and then smiled, "You can, and I'll support you."
If Ibiki were a less controlled man he would have grinned at his success in gaining the team he wanted. Instead he just relaxed, and enjoyed his meal.
