Obsession
Summary: Kakashi Hatake. Brilliant. Cunning. Psychotic. Sociopath. In his mind lies the clue to catching a ruthless killer. He's requested for help by Japan's force and works together with detective Iruka Umino, who is forced to trust Kakashi's reckless actions in order to succeed in finally catching Japan's newest tormentor.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story. I also do not make any money off of this in any legal or illegal way.
Chapter 12
''I have to do what?''
''Don't worry, it'll be easy! It's just another method of interrogation. They call it Enhanced Cross-questioning techniques. All you have to do is ask the questions, get the answers and we're home free!''
Iruka gave Tsunade a disbelieving look.
''Home free? How is making Hatake give us the answers going to get us home free?'' He exclaimed confused.
Tsunade sighed and folded her arms on her desk.
''Iruka, you said it your self. Hatake is hard to work with and at the rate he's giving us answers, we'll never get anywhere. Come on, its very obvious that he knows something. We can just… persuae him to talk.'' She said matter of factly and moved a few papers on her desk around aimlessly.
''You mean force him?'' Iruka asked incredulously as he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes.
''If you want to put it that way…'' Tsunade started and avoided his eyes. Iruka was happy to see that she at least had the courtesy to feel guilty. And it was true, Tsunade did feel guilty, even if Hatake was a mass murderer. But Orochimaru said it will work and he knews Hatake better than anyone, according to himself.
''Tsunade, that's crazy! It will never work. Hatake will just refuse to talk, you know that!'' Iruka tried again. ''Can't we just stick with the appointments? We've already got a lot from that, such as the fact that the Sandman could be choosing his victims by trophy's instead of a physical pattern and we know that he's doing this because of something that happened in his past, that he's trying to prove something and by combining those two, we'll find him. You know, Hatake's theory about Cause, Reason and Solution. And his theories makes sense. If we change everything now we're just going to make him mad. I know I'm not exactly in the position to be making suggestions, but won't you at least consider it?'' Iruka asked, a hint of dejection In his voice.
Even though Iruka had only talked to Hatake a few times, it was enough to understand that he isn't the easily convinced type and that forcing him will only cause him to shut close. Every fibre in his body was screaming this to Iruka, but he didn't want to listen to it.
Who was he to say anyway?
He's just a second year detective with limited criminology knowledge, confronting a big time mass murderer, an ex-Neuropsychologist and master manipulator. That should be enough to convince him that his opinion doesn't count. All those people, they've all worked with Hatake, not him and he knew this. But his gut told him otherwise.
Just then Shikamaru appeared in the doorway.
''Hey Cap, about the Rhino poaching case, we found- Uh… sorry, am I interrupting something?'' He asked hesitantly and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, probably feeling the high level of tension present in the room.
Tsunade was sitting with her hands in her hair, as if ready to yank it out. Iruka was perched on the edge of his seat, both his hands on her table, leaning forward. Neji was in the corner, looking like he didn't want to be there.
''No, its fine. We were finished discussing this anyway.'' Tsunade said sternly as she eyed both Iruka and Neji, seeing that neither of them agreed, but didn't argue.
She followed Shikamaru, who muttered something about troublesome poachers. Neji and Iruka stayed behind.
Iruka sighed frustrated and turned to Neji.
''You think it's a bad idea, right?'' He asked, earning nothing more than half a shrug.
''What if Hatake doesn't want to talk, even with the… methods? Then he'll never help us in the future.'' Iruka said miserably.
''You're over thinking it...'' Neji drawled, throwing his arm over the back of the chair. 'Besides, it's not like he's going to remember anything.'' He muttered under his breath, but Iruka caught it.
''What do you mean?'' The brunet asked confused and turned to Neji, who looked like he was considering whether to tell Iruka or not.
''They'll just make him forget. Like they do with the rest of the patients.'' Neji finally said.
''Who's they?''
''Orochimaru and the rest of the Bluebyrd Sanctuary staff.''
''Wait… like brainwashing? They can't do that, can they?'' Iruka asked, slightly worried.
But not because it was Hatake. He would never feel anything other than hatred towards the Scarecrow. Not even that, since he was taught to never involve emotion into cases. All he saw Hatake as was an acquaintance. He didn't care but he also didn't not care. Hatake was after all, no matter how hard to believe that is, still human. Meaning he still had rights.
''They can. Somehow. I'm not entirely sure but a… friend of mine use to work by Orochimaru right side. He knows everything.'' Neji said and stood up. ''His name is Kabuto Yakushi. He use to be Orochimaru's assistant, he even worked with him on Hatake. About two years ago, he resigned, not wanting to go further with the procedures as it was according to him, too stressful. He now works as an receptionist at an old-folks home near the ocean. Hatake used to call him a lapdog with potential, and I thought so too. But Kabuto wants nothing more than to be in routine.'' Neji finished and Iruka was surprised.
Not only was that probably the most he ever heard Neji said, but it also showed just how involved Hatake and Neji used to be. They must have worked together, even after Hatake's arrest. Someday he will ask Neji what happened between them and until then, he'll listen closely to all of the Hyuga's instruction and advice.
''Any chance that we could contact your friend and ask him what he know?'' Iruka asked and Neji though for a while before he shrugged and took out his phone, writing a number from it on piece of paper.
''I don't see why not. Just keep it a secret. If Orochimaru finds out that you know about this, he'll get rid of you.'' Neji said, handing him the paper.
Iruka tried not to think about that.
''I will. Thanks Neji.'' He said and smiled, earning half a smile in return.
''No problem. But, if I may ask, why do you care?'' Neji wondered, almost warily.
Iruka saw this.
''It's not that I care about Hatake or any of the other people in the Sanctuary, or anything, I know they deserve to be there.'' Iruka said quickly. 'But still, it's wrong to do things like that to people, even if they are criminals.'' He finished and scratched the back of his head, now wondering about his own theory.
''I guess.'' Neji said, even though it didn't really sound like he agreed.
There was a knock at the door. Neji and Iruka turned around and was greeted by Maito Gai's suspicious gaze.
''Neji. Iruka.'' He greeted them coldly and Iruka nodded in return but Neji didn't even bother, not having much eyelashes for the guy.
''I heard that the Bluebyrd Sanctuary will be using a different approach on Hatake.'' Gai continued. ''It' s too bad that they couldn't get someone with more… experience to help.'' He said, throwing a dirty look to Iruka, who chose to ignore it.
''What a shame.'' Neji drawled sarcastically and Iruka hid his smile behind the file he had in his hand. Gai rolled his eyes and left, seeing that he wasn't going to get much reaction out of Iruka with Neji here. He also didn't feel like getting into an argument with the talented Hyuga, as Neji has quite a reputation.
''Don't mind him, he's just sour because Tsunade said that he's not allowed to help with the questioning when Hatake is being, as she so kindly put it, 'persuaded'. Gai isn't always like this, he's actually very nice.'' Neji said with little enthusiasm.
Iruka smiled.
''Yeah he has the 'nice guy' image. I would like to become his friend someday, if he would allow me.'' He said thoughtfully.
Neji looked like he couldn't understand why Iruka would wanted to do that, but he didn't say anything.
They talked for another while before parting their ways, Neji heading off to a meeting and Iruka going back to his apartment.
Iruka drove in silence along the highway. Usually he would put his favourite songs on the highest volume setting and sing along the whole way home, however at that moment his mind was once again occupied with Hatake.
He glanced sideways to the passenger seat where the note with Kabuto's number was lying. There's nothing he can really do about the whole thing as Orochimaru practically owns Kakashi and Iruka wasn't up for a fight with him.
Maybe this Kabuto guy can help him, tell him what it involved. He'll call him tonight, Iruka decide.
He continued heading towards his apartment building for another few miles, but then he suddenly came to an abrupt stop, causing the driver behind him to shout colourful curses and swear words at him. Iruka shouted back an apology before he made a quick u-turn, now speeding toward the Bluebyrd Sanctuary.
''Please Genma? Its really important.'' Iruka pleaded and the guard in front of the control panel of the last floor hesitated.
Genma Shiranui was a tall man in his late twenties. He wore a white uniform with the Sanctuary's logo on it and it looked close to the uniforms of a mental hospital.
'Well, that's basically what this place is.' Iruka thought dryly.
His hair was dark brown, as was his eyes and in his mouth was a needle like stick that looked similar to an acupuncture needle. Iruka met Genma after their first meeting. He was the guard who escorted Iruka out after the fight between the inmates on the day he first met Hatake. According to Tsunade, was Genma one of the very few that Hatake actually listened to. Those few not including Orochimaru. Hatake never took an order from him.
Never had, never will.
''I don't know… Orochimaru specifically told me that no one is allowed without an appointment, especially not a detective and definitly not if it is to talk to the Scarecrow.'' He said and Iruka sighed.
''I know, but I have to see Hatake now.'' Iruka exclaimed, ''I'll be quick. Orochimaru will never even know.''
Genma shifted the needle in his mouth around and glanced at the camera screens. He went to the door and closed it.
''You have five minutes.'' He finally said.
''Thanks Genma, I promise to be quick.'' Iruka said excited and went to the door. Genma muttered something uncomprehendable before rapidly tying in the passwords.
''No taping the glass, don't go too close, don't talk to the others, blah blah blah, you know the rules. Now go!'' Genma said and gestured for him to go inside, which Iruka quickly did.
Inside he froze.
All the inmates were dead quiet. No soft whispers or song were said or sung, no one screaming or yelling or banging against the bars. Absolute silence.
Iruka gulped but continued to go further, forcing his gaze ahead of him. He stopped in front of the giant glass barrier, darkened by the off turned light, and softly called Kakashi's name.
Nothing.
Just as he wanted tot try again, a bright childlike voice spoke up, making him jump.
''He's in a bad mood. You might wanna try again some other time. Oh before you leave, could you maybe borrow me your paperclip? No paperclip? Not to worry! I accept pocket knives, kitchen knives, butcher's knives or if you don't have them, how about a gun?'' The sweet voice asked and Iruka noticed it came from cell two. Toshio's sell.
He frowned at the 'young boy'.
''Oh yeah, the con artist.'' He muttered softly, in case the others were sleeping.
''Hey, brat!'' Cell four's inmate snapped, slamming himself against the bars. ''Shut up before we all get in trouble!'' He growled at Toshio who gave him a smirk in return before making sure to talk extra loud.
''As I was saying, Scarecrow wouldn't appreciate being disturbed.'' Toshio said, glancing slightly at the still dark cell of Kakashi Hatake. Genma mentioned that Kakashi prefers his cell to be dark most of the time.
''Shut up you little loud mouth runt!'' His neighbour barked at Toshio. ''We're all gonna be screwed unless you keep your trap locked!''
Iruka was slightly surprised by the terror in his eyes. He looked afraid and nervous as he kept scanning the room while his hands anxiously wrung each other. Toshio rolled his eyes and grabbed the bars, giving it a few shakes.
''Stop it!'' The agitated man sneered at him, making Toshio only shake it louder.
The man forced his arms through the bars and grabbed at the boy, who laughed and jumped out of reach as he stuck his tongue out. Iruka was beginning to get nervous as well and he tried to break up the fight. After all, he had limited time.
''Relax you two. Sir, what do you mean you'll get in trouble? Did Orochimaru threaten you?'' He asked quickly, wondering if the snake like man had more skeletons in the closet than they already expected.
Apparently not.
The anxious man barked out a laugh and shook his head.
''That low-life, perverted, two-faced coward? Heck no! I was talking ab-ab-about…. H-him….'''The man suddenly stuttered, his eyes not on Iruka.
Toshio made a small sound and then quickly retreated to the back of his compartment, back to the corner. Iruka was thrown of course by their weird behaviour and he carefully watched the inmate, whose eyes were wide with fear.
''Sir, who are you talking about?'' Iruka asked confused, but he didn't get an answer.
He suddenly noticed that the man's gaze was behind him, just like their first meeting. He took a deep breath and forced himself not to jump this time as he turned around with surprisingly a lot of tranquillity and politely greeted the sight in front of him.
''Good evening, Dr Hatake.''
''Good evening, Officer. What a pleasant surprise.''
The Scarecrow's voice was soft once more and his hair was slightly windswept, as if he had been sleeping. He sat on the back of a chair with his feet on the seat, watching Iruka meticulously. His was wearing the trademark clothes of the Sanctuary, save for the black shirt, with the ever present mask still present.
''I have to tell you something Doctor.'' Iruka said and glanced behind his shoulder. ''If you don't cooperate, they're going to force you.'' He whispered, almost as if he was having second thoughts.
The Scarecrow seemed unmoved.
''Officer, I have been in a glass cage for the last five years of my life where I am not even allowed to own a paperclip. I am obliged to drink suppositories every night and I am being watched, as they say, twenty-four-seven. I've been nothing but forced.'' He drawled with little amusement as he drew circles on his palm with his index finger.
''Doesn't that bother you?'' Iruka exclaimed upset.
''Not. In. the. Least.''
Sighing, Iruka ran his hands through his hair.
''Doctor, you don't understand. They'll be using these new methods-''
''Enhanced Cross-questioning techniques, yes I know.'' Hatake said and hopped off of the chair, strolling over to the barrier.
The brunet looked confused.
''You knew? How?'' He wondered and Hatake snarled quietly.
''I was informed earlier this evening by the Count.'' He sneered. ''Apparently if you offer the police force a finger, they snatch the whole arm. But I am not in the mood to have this conversation. I would rather like to hear what your day was like?'' He said, his voice gentle again as he leaned against the glass, observing Iruka through half-lid eyes.
Iruka gave him a disorientated look.
''Wait, you're not mad?'' He asked softly, daring to glance up in the Doctor's eyes.
''I have no reason to be and if I did, I wouldn't take it out on you. That would be uncouth.'' He stated simply, crossing his arms in front of his chest. '' But tell me Officer, why did you feel the need to inform me of this? Surely you don't care, do you?'' His tone was mocking.
''No I-… I just thought that I should warn you. After all, you did help us.'' Iruka said, now feeling slightly guilty even though he wasn't sure about what.
''Ah yes, but remember, I didn't do it because I have a loving, caring, giving heart. I did it purely for personal gain. I got something in return plus I got a bit of entertainment.'' Hatake said with a smirk.
''Doctor Hatake, the fact that you think of me as entertainment bugs me.'' Iruka commented dryly.
''Glad to hear it 'bugs' you.'' Hatake chuckled amused. ''But let me inform you what 'bugs' me. The fact that you lied to me.'' His voice was suddenly cold and severe.
Iruka was now distressed. Which lie was Hatake talking about? How did he know?
Kakashi smirked.
''Quiet now, aren't we? Your lies, Officer, are an insult to my intelligence. Certainly you did not believe that I would actually be as dull minded as to fall for your little plan? Tell me I get sent to a wonderful island here I will be partially free, but as soon as you get what you want, you tell me off and disappear. How naïve.'' He sneered and turned around.
''Well then why did you agree?'' Iruka exclaimed, finding a source of confidence from somewhere deep inside him.
Hatake stopped in his steps and spun around.
''As I have mentioned before, I see you as entertainment. I agreed because I thought it would be enjoyable to see the plan blow up in your face.'' He said austerely and shrugged.
Iruka was completely stunned. Hatake never gave the impression that he knew about the lie nor that he didn't trust him. This was a shocking discovery to Iruka and he wondered just what else Hatake knew about.
End of Chapter 12
A/N: And chapter 12 is done!i hope all of you enjoyed it and I would really love it if you reviewed! Thank you so much to all the great readers out there and a special thanks to my awesome reviewers!
KakashiFanGirl17, Fantasi Liar, Monkey in a Jump Suit, Shadowlord, , Temeti, rion, Livewire013 and CharmlessUnicorn, thank you so so much for your great feedback!
Rion: Thank you so much, I m really glad you find it interesting! Youre guesses are good and very close but I'm not giving hints just yet :D. And thank you, I wil continue on and on, eventually you will see the end and maybe your guess was right XD. I hope you enjoyed this one. Ciao!
Shadowlord: Oh I'm glad, I hope you finished the other half as well! Very happy to hear that lol XD. Thank you very much, youre compliments makes me so happy and just makes me love writing more! Thank you so much for reviewing:D.
Okay, until next time! Please let me know what you thought about this chapter, it helps me improve to know the strong and weak points. Enjoy your week!
