Chapter 10: Encounter at the Bar
It wasn't something that he does frequently. In fact, this is probably the second time in his life that he is stepping into a bar. Finding an empty corner, he settled himself down comfortably and called for a bottle of sake.
Although it had only been a week since Team Kakashi departed Konoha to embark on their mission, Iruka couldn't help but worry about them.
'I wonder how they are doing now. Are they safe? I hope they haven't met up with any troublesome opponents.'
The bartender placed his order in front of him and asked if he needed anything else. Iruka shook his head and watched as the bartender left him to his peace. Pouring a little sake into the glass offered, he took a sip and shuddered. It wasn't very often that he drank and it took him a while to adjust to the taste of it.
Leaning back into his chair, he found his mind wandering again. He thought about Naruto and how he had grown and he thought about Sakura and her prospects as a medic nin. He thought about each and every student that he had taught and for a moment, felt proud that they had all grown to become worthy ninjas. And his thought finally paused on a certain silver haired jounin. When his memories wandered to the copy nin, he felt an indescribable pain surge through him.
Gulping down the content in the glass, he proceeded to refill it. He did not want to think about the person who had caused him sleepless nights for the past one week and a broken heart to nurse.
Just as he picked up his glass, he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Fancy seeing you here, Iruka. I never thought that you are one to drink as well." A chuckle and he knew who it was.
"If you are bored, you can join me here. I wouldn't mind some company, Kotetsu." Iruka sighed as he drank from his glass.
Kotetsu plopped down in the chair beside him and Iruka watched as Izumo settled himself in front of him.
"Hmm… This isn't like you, Iruka. I thought you don't drink. And you look pale." Izumo commented, looking concerned.
"I haven't been sleeping well. Was hoping that some sake can put my mind to rest." Iruka mumbled as he finished the content in his glass once more.
"Well, then one bottle wouldn't be enough, Iruka." Kotetsu grinned and signaled for the bartender to bring more sake to the table. Izumo frowned.
"I don't think that Iruka should be drinking this much, Kotetsu."
"Maa…. Don't worry, Izumo. It isn't often that Iruka will drink. So he should drink to his heart's content tonight. Here Iruka, I propose you a toast." Kotetsu laughed as he filled up Iruka's glass. Iruka shrugged and proceeded to empty his glass for the third time that night.
Asuma and Genma stepped into the bar and were greeted by a spectacular sight. Izumo was cursing Kotetsu while trying to support Iruka, who looked like he had just drank a river of alcohol.
"I told you that he shouldn't drink so much. Now what? We have to get him home and we still have to hurry and take over the midnight shift at the main gate." Izumo scowled.
"I didn't expect him to drink so much either. He was the one who called for another two bottles after he finished the three which I've ordered." Kotetsu scratched his head.
"He wouldn't have drunk so much if you had not egged him on. Damn you, Kotetsu." Izumo sighed. "I will get him home. You go on ahead and take over the shift first. I will join you once I've put him into bed."
"What is this? Drinking before your shift huh? Izumo? Kotetsu?" Genma's voice came up from behind, causing the two to jump slightly.
"Don't sneak up on us like that, Genma." Kotetsu glared at the senbon-chewing jounin.
"What happened to Iruka? I didn't know he drinks." Asuma frowned as the drunk chunin started to mumble incoherently.
"We didn't know either. He was already here when we came over to get a glass or two. And the way he drinks the sake, it's almost like drinking water." Izumo replied.
"Well, if you don't mind, we need to get going and send him home. We are already late for our shift." Kotetsu turned and tried to help Izumo get Iruka out of the bar.
"Kotetsu, don't worry about it. Leave him to us and go ahead with your shift." Kotetsu and Izumo looked up to see Anko and Kurenai standing at the entrance of the bar. Genma frowned.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. Just go ahead before the guards at the gate complain." Anko pried Iruka's arm from Izumo's shoulders and ushered Izumo out. Kotetsu shrugged and followed his partner out of the bar.
"Well, Mitarashi-san, what are you going to do about him?" Genma asked coldly, pointing at the drunk chunin.
"Get him home, of course." Anko glared.
"Well, I reckon this has nothing to do with us then. Asuma, let's go and get our drinks."
"Who the hell needs your help? Kurenai, help me get Iruka home." Anko glanced at the genjutsu user, who briefly nodded and looked over at Asuma.
Asuma sighed and grabbed his friend who was heading towards the bar counter.
"What, Asuma?" Genma was obviously irritated.
"Let's help them get Iruka home, Genma. We can drop by later for the drinks."
"Asuma, we don't need four people to send him home." Asuma groaned. He took a deep breath and leaned over to his friend, lowering his voice as he speaks.
"Look Genma, I know you are pissed. But just take it that we are doing Kakashi a favour. I don't think he would like to see Iruka in this state either. The ladies could do with some help. Iruka is after all a man and it's more convenient for us to be around."
Genma stared at his friend for a while before sighing heavily. "Fine, let's go."
Asuma took over the weight of Iruka from Anko and helped him out of the bar.