Human Nature.
A/N: Hello again. Finally back with chapter seven. Honestly I don't know how people manage to churn out chapters day after day. I find it so hard. Anywho, sorry for the long wait. Like I said in my profile I haven't had any computer access for a week -Sulks- But now it's all cool and I have my beloved PS3/Computer back all to myself. W00t! As usual many thanks to those who have reviewed/fav'd/alerted. The continual support and feedback is greatly appreciated.
Chapter Seven: Meetings.
The classroom was devoid of all noise and students, the latter outside enjoying a well deserved lunch break. The room itself was old and worn but still inviting and many a class had left their mark on the aging desks. On the far side a large French style window opened up the room, allowing a good view of the world outside. The sunlight streamed in and danced across the wooden desks, bathing them in a warm glow. Sitting behind the teachers desk sat a weary brown haired man, idly flipping through a large pile of assignments. Iruka gazed at the children's scrawled homework, sighing at the quality or lack there of the work produced. He sometimes wondered if the children actually listened to a word he said.
With a headache brewing Iruka set down the papers and ran a hand through his ponytail, he wasn't being fair. They were just children after all and he shouldn't be taking out his frustration on them, even if they were convenient targets. He gave another sigh and turned his attention to the real source of his irritation. Mismatched gray and red eyes covered by a fringe of silver sprang to mind and Iruka gave a small frown. Damn Kakashi, the man was just able to throw Iruka off guard with out even realizing that he was doing it. The brown haired man felt mortification wash through him at everything he had spilled two nights previous and it worried him as to whether the other man would try and get the rest of the information out of him. Perhaps even try and take Naruto away with him. Iruka's mind balked at the thought and he quickly chased the treacherous thoughts away. Kakashi wasn't like that, if he had meant to take Naruto he would have already done so, that much he knew.
This however didn't make Iruka feel much better, in fact it made him feel worse. These thoughts made him realize just what a complete bastard he'd been the previous day. Iruka buried his head in his arms scrunching his eyes tightly shut. How could he have been so cold and cruel to a man who had only been curious, unknowing of what he was unearthing. The brown haired had completely ignored Kakashi the day after the conversation, to wrapped up in self loathing and anger to even acknowledge the man.
"God I'm such a twat"
He remembered the look of sincere concern in the odd eyes as Kakashi asked if he was okay and the way he'd hostilely reacted, snapping at the man venomously and giving him a look so dark it would have made small children cry. He had wanted to provoke a reaction out of the silver haired man and when he received nothing but another concerned look Iruka had flipped. He still didn't understand what possessed him to try and attack Kakashi, he blamed the lack of sleep. But it was then he saw a part of the silver haired man he wished he hadn't. The killer. The Kyubbi agent.
Kakashi had easily dodged the blow Iruka had thrown at him and gracefully span around the other man. Within seconds Iruka had arms wrapped around him and something cool poking at his throat, it was the butter knife the man had been using. The teacher in him quickly analyzed where Kakashi was poking and knew that it was directly over the jugular. Iruka twisted his head slightly and there was a brief moment of tense silence as the two men locked eyes.
The Kakashi he knew was no longer at home.
Someone else was there instead.
Iruka had shuddered at the now cold eyes baring down on him, like a predator eying his prey. The complete detachment from humanity scared the brown haired man and he felt himself begin to shake. The long stare continued and then a spark of realization flickered in the dead eyes, which widened in horror. Kakashi had hastily withdrew and quietly apologized practically running for the door in an attempt to flee.
Iruka gave a deep sigh, his head even more messed up than usual. Kakashi was a man of contradictions and it both intrigued and scared him. From his own experiences with Kakashi prior to yesterday he could see he was a good, if somewhat socially-inept man. But then there was the fact he had seen first hand that the silver haired man had been a member of Kyubbi, and what that meant the man was capable of. Kyubbi had been responsible for so many atrocities in both mens lives and both had taken different paths. Iruka knew there had to reasons why Kakashi had taken the path he did and he wanted to find them out, preferably with all body functions still active. He just hoped that he hadn't caused too much damage between the two of them with his unprovoked attack, after all Kakashi had been acting on reflex honed through years of training. Well Iruka hoped that was the case.
His musing were cut short when there was a quiet tapping on the classroom door.
"Enter."
A small pink haired child entered the room looking very nervous, she wrung her hands together seemingly very unwilling to be there. Bright green eyes looked up worried and hesitant.
"What's wrong Sakura-Chan?" Iruka asked now genuinely worried. The young girl was not known for being very hesitant.
"Um... There is some scary men hanging around outside the playground. I remember when you said that if there were strangers hanging around tell some one."
Iruka couldn't help but give a small smile remembering his earlier thoughts on whether the class actually listened. He was pleased to see he'd been wrong.
"Okay Sakura-Chan. You did very well. Now can you tell me what they look like?"
The pink haired child nodded emphatically. "Yeah ones a big mean looking man, the other is..." Sakura blushed as she continued her description "He's got dark hair and the coolest red eyes."
Iruka felt his blood run cold and quickly lept to his feet, startling the young child.
"Sakura-Chan no matter what happens, stay here until I come back for you."
The teacher raced out the door toward the playground, praying to every deity that he knew of that Sakura had been wrong. Tangible fear was flooding his system and he was hoping that no one had been stupid enough to confront the two men. Iruka mentally smirked at the irony of the last statement, knowing the he was about to be that very stupid idiot.
~*~
Once on the playground Iruka quickly spotted the two men hanging around on the outer edge of the schools wire mesh fence. He bit down a glare and moved swiftly toward the teacher on playground duty. He approached the secluded corner with trepidation and bit back a moan of sheer frustration upon realizing who was on duty. Great this was the last thing the brown haired needed, he gave a polite cough to attract the mans attention.
"Ebisu-Sensei?" Iruka enquired in the most polite and charming voice he could muster.
The man turned and with a small look of disgust acknowledged the other teacher. "Umino-Sensei, to what do I owe this honour."
Iruka did not miss the slight hint of sarcasm in the Ebisu's voice and ground his teeth as a small ripple of anger ran through his system. The man was so insufferable, just because he had a fancy teaching degree he looked down upon everyone and it drove Iruka nuts. Ebisu was constantly to coin a phrase 'blowing his own trumpet' about his techniques and how his class was far superior to the rest. His loud boasts were often unfounded and was a small smirk of pride Iruka noted that his class always outperformed the other mans. This had often caused friction between the two, and Iruka was rather certain that Ebisu had petitioned more than once for him to be removed from his position. If he remembered correctly the usual reason was 'Acting in an unprofessional manner.' Just because he allowed his class to call him by his first name.
Shaking his head Iruka got back on topic. "Ebisu-Sensei, Sakura Chan came and told me that there are.."
Ebisu cut across "Two strange men hanging around, yes I've seen them."
Iruka glared at the pompous interruption but nodded anyway "You need to evacuate the playground immediately, they are dangerous."
Ebisu raised a perfectly formed eyebrow "Really" The voice was mocking "And how would you know that Umino-Sensei?"
Iruka felt his temper flare, the man was seriously pushing his buttons. Could just this once Ebisu not be an obnoxious self absorbed bastard, people were in danger.
'And who put them in danger?' a nasty little voice in the back of his head asked.
Iruka froze at the thought 'Shit, this is all my fault.' unwittingly he had endangered his students and his work colleagues and that feeling of guilt pervaded his system with the intensity of a tsunami. But he would not let Ebisu have this to hang over his head, he would not allow this arsehole of a man claim victory over him because he did the right thing and helped someone.
No way in hell would he allow that!
Calmly Iruka took a deep breath and stared directly into the mans eyes, worry, fear and overwhelming anger emanating from the brown orbs. "Listen to me Ebisu-Sensei. For once in your life stop being such a self-centered bastard and actually pay attention to what is fucking going on around you!" The teacher wasn't proud of himself for cursing but the stress and severity of the situation was weighing down on him.
Ebisu goggled facing tinged red in embarrassed anger "Y..Y you can't speak to me like that. I'll have your job Umino."
Iruka exploded, grabbing the man by his shirt and snarling like a wild animal.
"Right now do you think I give a shit about my job. My students are in danger and all you're concerned with is getting me sacked. Fine sack me but EVACUATE THE FUCKING PLAYGROUND BEFORE YOU DO SO!!"
Iruka let the man slump from his grip and Ebisu didn't need any other excuse. He flew off like a frightened rabbit gathering the children to him and directing them inside. The brown haired man shot a deadly glare at the two intruders and slowly walked over toward them, vengeful intent radiating off him in waves. As he approached the two men just stood there, Itachi with a cold smile on his face and Kisame a frown. The taller man looked as though he was itching to cause some carnage, and in his present mood Iruka was happy to reciprocate.
Itachi gave a mock round of applause as he stepped through the gate Kisame in tow. "Very impressive Iruka-Sensei, I admire a man willing to do what it takes to get the job done."
Iruka glare intensified, he hadn't felt this angry in a very long time. "What do you want?"
"Oh nothing really, just popping in to see how you were doing?"
"I'm flattered." Sarcastic rage dripped off every word.
"You should be. How is Kakashi-San and the children by the way?" Crimson eyes glistened evilly.
"I have no idea who or what you are talking about." Iruka felt his heart drop, but did not let it show on his face instead keeping the glare fixed in place.
"Of course not. But if you were to know what who I was talking about you should know that handing them over would be beneficial." Only the slightest hint of threat was present in the smooth voice.
Protectiveness blossomed in the teachers breast. This man was not getting his hands on ANY of his self appointed charges. Not now, not ever. "Again I say I have no idea who or what you're talking about."
"Pity, pity. Your stubbornness is your greatest weakness as well as your greatest strength and one of your most endearing traits." The young man reached up and thumbed Iruka's chin gently. "I would hate to have to destroy something so intriguing."
The brown haired man flinched, the cold touch burning his anger flushed skin. "I am not some toy for you to fuck with."
Itachi gave a cool smile "Of course not Iruka-Sensei."
The smile was what did it, that cool sickening smile. All the barely controlled fury came crashing out and Iruka was unwilling to stop it.
"Get out of here" He hissed, squaring up to the Uchiha. Beside him he saw Kisame tense ready to attack.
The smile on the youths face didn't falter for a second "Now Sensei that's not very polite at all. You wouldn't want your lack of manners to have disastrous repercussions now, would you?" His eyes flicked over the school grounds a malicious glint in the crimson depths.
The rage inside Iruka burned brightly and he could feel the inferno consuming what remained of his sanity. Before he even realised what was going on he had drew back his fist and lashed out at Itachi, wanting to be rid of the infuriating smile. The dark haired youth didn't even flinch at the attack and gracefully caught the fist in his own pale hand.
"Not polite at all Sensei." He tightened the grip around Iruka's fist and didn't relent until he heard a loud 'Crack!'
To the teachers credit he managed to ignore the wave of pain that erupted from his hand, he knew something had definitely been broken. Instead Iruka focused on steadfastly glaring, the anger emanating from his being unwavering.
"Get out of here now" Iruka snarled "I have no idea what you've been going on about." The snarl dropped to a low whisper only for Itachi's ears "If you ever come here again and threaten my students, my friends... I'll kill you."
Murderous brown eyes met startled red and for the briefest hint of a moment Iruka saw Itachi look uncomfortable. It was short lived and the calm facade quickly melted back into place, no indication that it had ever faltered. The dark haired youth took a step closer to the teacher and softly whispered in his ear.
"Well, I wouldn't be the first would I Iruka-Sensei?"
The brown haired man pulled away as though he had been burned by the words. Mortification replaced the anger and he wanted them gone right this instant.
"Leave now." The voice was a little shaky from shock.
Itachi gave a triumphant smile "It appears I have touched a nerve."
"LEAVE!!"
Itachi bowed his head in mock respect. "As you wish Sensei, but know that we'll be seeing each other again very soon."
And with that he turned and left gracefully climbing into the luxury car waiting for him and his companion. It wasn't until Iruka was sure that the car was a fair distance away that he collapsed to the ground shaking violently. Panic, guilt and a feeling of uncleanness overwhelmed his system and he drew his legs up in a defensive gesture, rocking slightly. Iruka didn't know how long he sat there, but the next thing he was aware of was a small voice calling out to him. His turned his head and saw Naruto followed by a small handful of students racing out to meet him.
"Nii-San NII-SAN!!" The small blond boy looked on the verge of tears, he flung himself on top of his guardian.
Iruka almost pulled away from the young child, he was too tainted, dirty, unclean, he shouldn't be rubbing off on Naruto. Bright blue eyes looked up wide and sorrowful, hurt flashing through them. Naruto saw the look on his Nii-Chan's face and felt his heart break. Although he was young Naruto knew about a lot of bad stuff and that Nii-Chan been through it. But his guardian was never like this, so broken. There was only one other time Naruto had remembered seeing Iruka like this.
After the bad man came and tried to take him away.
The blond burrowed deeper into Iruka's chest and began sobbing. Eventually the brunette came out of his daze and wrapped arms around the child quaking in his arms. The need to protect and comfort far outweighing the uncleanly feelings invading his body. Naruto needed him and that was that. The small band of students that had been chasing the blond eventually caught up panting and apologetic.
"I thought I told you to stay inside." Iruka voice was stern but not angry.
Four sets of eyes fell to the floor. Shikamaru was the first to speak.
"Naruto was being troublesome, he wouldn't stay put."
"Yeah, even though we told him that it might be dangerous." Kiba piped in, giving his teacher an unusually solemn look.
"But he just wouldn't quiet down. He was screaming that you'd promised him something and was making a holy racket." Choji continued a worried look on his face.
"And then he just bolted before we could stop him, and we couldn't just let him go on his own... and... well... we were worried too." Sakura bright green eyes shone in the midday sun.
Iruka bowed his head a small smile crossing his lips. "Thank you."
He shifted to stand but Naruto still clung tightly on to him, seemingly afraid that if he let go then Iruka would revert back to the person he had just saw. The teacher gave a small sigh and began to stroke the child's blond locks soothingly.
"Come on Naruto, it's all okay now. You can let go."
"Can't you broke your promise."
"Promise?"
"That you'd never face the bad stuff on your own again. That we'd do it together, as a family."
Iruka's eyes widened in shock at the statement and his heart constricted at the sincerity and hurt in the small boys voice. He pulled him into a quick tight hug.
"I'm so sorry."
Naruto clung back nodding his head at the apology. After a brief second he finally released the older man, blue eyes still watery and chest still shaky from sobbing. Slowly Iruka climbed to his feet and beamed the brightest fake smile he could at the five worried children, hoping t ease it somewhat. The provided weak smiles of their own which strengthened when they realised their Sensei appeared to be okay.
"Come on lets get back inside."
The brunette ushered the children toward the large doors that lead into the school. As they moved closer Iruka noticed that there was someone standing there waiting for them. At the doors themselves it was found to be a woman with dark purple hair and a twisted smirk on her face. Iruka told the children to go on ahead and that he would catch up with them, he turned to face the woman.
"Anko."
"Iruka."
"He wants to see me doesn't he?" Great could Iruka's day go any further downhill?
"Yep." The smirk dropped into a sincere look of sympathy.
"Great. It was Ebisu wasn't it?"
Anko nodded "Yeah it was. Both him and the boss seemed kinda pissed."
"Oh joy of joys."
The cruel smirk returned to Anko's face "So is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"That you grabbed Ebisu-Baka by the throat, threatening him?"
Iruka rolled his eyes, Anko was forever the gossip. "Um... sort of, it wasn't by the throat." He gave a small satisfied smirk
The purple haired woman gave a bark of laughter and Iruka a sharp thud on the back in congratulation. "Nice one."
The teacher slumped slightly "I wish it felt nice... Come on lets get this over and done with."
Anko sighed "Just relax Iruka it'll all be fine. Ebisu had it coming to him anyway."
"Yeah, lets just hope the Head Master sees it that way."
The unusual pair marched through the hallways of the school, Iruka fidgeting nervously as the pain in his hand began to flare up again. He could already feel the limb beginning to swell. After a few minutes of silence they found themselves outside the forbidding door to the Head Master's office. Anko gave the brunette's shoulder a small squeeze and rapped loudly on the door, before whispering a quick 'Good Luck' and walking off.
"Enter."
Iruka gave a small gulp and stepped inside. As to be expected Ebisu was already seated in the office a triumphant smirk on his face and Iruka felt pure rage bubble again.
"You wanted to see me Morino-Sama."
The man looked up from the papers he was reading through. "Yes Umino-Sensei, Please be seated."
Iruka tentatively took a seat and looked up at his employer. Ibiki Morino was not an unusually cruel man but he was very firm and known to use extreme methods to get what was needed from his staff. It was also widely known that he just did not tolerate insubordination and dissent in his ranks, being a war veteran would do that to you and he had the scars to prove it.
"Once again I find myself in my office with you two. I am sick and tired of this." He let out a deep sigh "Umino-Sensei I have been informed of todays events. Is there anything you wish to say for yourself."
Iruka felt his heart drop he was going to be fired he just knew it, he had attacked a colleague. A myriad of panicked thoughts flew through his mind, how as he going to pay the rent, get food, make sure Naruto was well cared for? He took a deep breath and steadied his nerves.
"No sir I have nothing to add except I stand by my actions. I knew those men to be dangerous and acted accordingly."
Beside him Iruka felt Ebisu bristle with irritation. "Accordingly?!? You call that accordingly, you had your hands around my throat!"
The brown haired mans annoyance flared and he retaliated "Oh get over yourself Ebisu, I only grabbed your shirt, stop being so melodramatic."
The bespectacled man glared and opened his mouth to retort when Ibiki stepped in.
"That is enough you two. As Umino-Sensei has nothing else to add I believe I've heard all I need."
Iruka gulped his anger cooling as rapidly as it had surfaced and he muttered "Sorry sir." Ebisu just grunted and folded his arms.
"Umino-Sensei" The Head Master continued "Your actions are unfortunately inexcusable. However I do believe you did it not through malice but good intentions. therefore I am suspending you for two weeks with pay, effective immediately"
Relief, blessed relief flooded through Iruka's system. He wasn't going to be jobless and homeless.
"What!?!" Ebisu erupted indignation radiating off him in waves "He assaulted a member of staff and he's just getting away with a suspension."
"Ebisu that is ENOUGH!" Ibiki snarled, causing the other man to flinch and immediately quieten " I am in charge of the running of this school, if you have a problem with it I suggest you take it up with some one who actually cares. Now you are dismissed."
Ebisu looked livid but quickly gathered his things and stormed out the room in a huff, leaving the two men alone. Ibiki waited till he heard the thunderous steps fade away and shot Iruka with a stern look.
"Iruka-San what am I going to do with you? You're always causing me trouble. You know I should have fired you, but I can't afford to lose my best teacher."
The younger man looked down feeling like one of his students being scolded. "Sorry sir."
The Head Master gave a deep sigh. "I know you were telling the truth. I got a glimpse at those guys hanging around. They both looked like nasty pieces of work, so for what it's worth you did well."
Iruka blushed a little at the small compliment. "Thanks."
"Also you have to stop letting Ebisu push your buttons. I know he's an obnoxious bastard but he's also a valuable asset to the school. His presence brings in a lot of revenue."
"I know Sir, sorry."
"Okay that's enough scolding. Get out of here, I'll be in touch."
Iruka rose to his feet face burning and slightly downhearted, but with all thing considered it could have went a hell of a lot worse. He was pulled from his revere when he heard Ibiki address him one last time.
"Oh and Iruka?"
The brunette turned and faced the other man "Yes Sir?"
Ibiki let a small smile cross his face and the effect was startling. "If you're going to pull a stunt like that, next time make sure you actually do grab him by the throat."
Iruka's eyes bugged out of his head and he hurried out the office shock written plainly across his face. Had his boss really just said that? The bark of laughter behind the closed door confirmed that yes he really had. With a small genuine smile the teacher went to gather his things and get his hand looked at.
~*~
Several miles away in a luxury car two man sat,one looking amused the other serious. In the hands of the amused man sat a cellphone, dark crimson eyes glinted in the light as he had his conversation.
"Yes Sensei, everything is fine. I understand your concern.... I know you were as shocked as I but the teacher will not be a problem to obtain."
There was a muttering from the mouth piece.
"Yes of course, I agree. We must wait for my little brother to wake up before we continue otherwise what is the point?"
More muttering.
"Yes. We will have them all very soon and the traitorous dogs will pay. Yes Sensei I shall be in contact soon."
The phone went dead and Itachi closed it and tucked the item into a pocket. He glanced up at his partner who had retained his serious expression.
"Relax Kisame, you'll get to have some fun soon."
Kisame grunted. "So what now?"
Itachi gave a sickening smile. "Now we wait."
~End Chapter Seven~
A/N: dun Dun DUNNN!!! Hands up who is officially confused? I know there is going to be a LOT of questions after this chapter *smirks* and that's the way I like it. I promise it'll all start coming together soon. Oh yeah apologies as well I may have went a bit overboard with dialog on this chapter. LOL. Anywho without further ado *Cheers wildly and hugs passerbys* GET IN MY SON!!!!! BOOYAKASHA!! Um if you haven't red the latest chapter of the Naruto manga this statement will not make much sense other than I am really happy! If you have red it then you will know why!!! YAY!!!!!