I have great faith in fools; self-confidence my friends call it.
- Edgar Allen Poe
Chapter 25
The day of the Uchiha meeting came far too quickly in Kakashi's opinion. Especially after one of his ANBU teams had reported off duty police spying on Sasuke. Though his plans were made he still found himself analyzing the teams again and again only to come to the same conclusion. He only hoped it would be enough.
"Be good for Itachi-san and Ibiki-san alright pup," Kakashi said, ruffling Naruto's hair as he picked up his mission pack. The ninken were crowding around him as well, demanding the same attention. "And you guys better not make a mess just because I'm not home."
The glare he gave them was half hearted at most but they still gave him their most innocent looks and Pakkun promised they'd behave.
"What time will you be back?" Naruto asked, still standing near the door.
"After you go to bed. I'll be here in the morning to take you to school though. Which means no staying up late after going to your room for the night."
"Hai hai," Naruto said, pouting. Then his eyes dropped and his hands twisted into his shirt. "Stay safe, ok, Kashi-ni."
"Maa what's that supposed to mean? If I can handle raising you I think I can handle one measly mission," Kakashi teased burying any trace of his own doubts. "Or do you not think I'm strong?"
"Uh uh, Kashi-ni is the strongest!" Naruto responded instantly. "But... I don't want to be alone again."
"I'll be back, promise."
With one last hug Kakashi slipped out the door and shut it gently behind him. He waited until he heard the ninken drag Naruto back to the living room to finish his homework and then set off towards ANBU headquarters.
Half an hour later he was dressed in his full uniform and standing in front of the teams he had selected for the mission.
"Everyone knows their priorities so let's be about it." And with that they saluted and took off while one team waited with him. To them he said, "Let's go introduce ourselves to our hosts for tonight."
Mikoto was speaking to Shisui and a few of the elders when the ANBU appeared in front of her desk. While the others seemed startled Mikoto just looked directly at the one closest to her.
"I was worried you were going to be late Dog. I'm glad to see you managed to make it on time."
"Maa, there was this little puppy that didn't want to let me go and I'm a sucker for puppy dog eyes," Dog replied to her teasing comment.
"Given our association with cats I don't believe you'll run into that issue here so I hope I can trust you to make it to the meeting hall before I do," Mikoto said while Shisui bit back a snort.
"Of course Uchiha-san. We would have headed directly there but I thought you might like to know we were here. Jya ne."
Dog gave a short wave and then vanished, leaving his ANBU to give a short nod before going after him. Shisui just rolled his eyes as Mikoto turned back to the elders she had been addressing. A few of them were looking distinctly uncomfortable and a savage grin spread over her face.
Kakashi was in place well before the meeting started, as were four ANBU squads plus two two-man teams for the body guard work. From his spot on the ceiling he could hear and see everything easily. The meeting started out boring enough and after an hour of nothing happening he couldn't help but wonder if he was being too paranoid after all. He didn't relax though and instead stayed focused as the floor was opened to the other members present. It didn't take long for them to justify his paranoia.
"Mikoto-san," one police officer said, standing so he could be seen as well. "I do not doubt your abilities to lead the clan; however I fail to see why the change in leadership was necessary."
"He's right! The Hokage has no right to interfere with clan leadership!" another said from a different corner. A chorus of agreement turned into a chaotic jumble of noise where no one could be heard.
Mikoto raised her hand for silence and glared at the assembly before her. Immediately the noise level dropped and even Kakashi was impressed.
"The Hokage offered the clan a chance to keep our honor after certain members tarnished it. You will not speak poorly of him as a member of this clan." And if you don't like it too bad went unsaid as she gave them all another stern glare. "There have been many events in the past years that have created bad blood between the Uchiha Clan and the rest of Konoha. The events of the last month were the direct result of said events and the Hokage offered his deepest apologies for not stepping in sooner. The instigator has been executed which is why the Uchiha Clan will work with the Hokage to mend the rift."
"So we're just supposed to forgive the bastards?" one of the Uchiha nin snarled.
"The Hokage has graciously given us a clean slate. We will reciprocate with one of our own," Mikoto replied coolly.
"Surely that is too much Mikoto-san," one of the elders, Tarou Uchiha, said, emphasizing his statement by smacking his cane on the floor.
"How many of our clansmen are dead because of them," the elder next to the him asked. "How can you suggest we just forget them?"
"Their sacrifices for the betterment of the clan will be remembered," Fugaku said sharply. "That is why we will not let their deaths be in vain."
"You are weak Fugaku! You have bowed to the whims of a feeble Hokage instead of protecting this clan as was your duty," Tarou said.
"I have done what was necessary to protect this clan," Fugaku hissed back. "We would all have been executed for treason had we not accepted the Hokage's settlement. And I assure you that is still an option."
"Enough."
Mikoto's voice cut through the arguing and all eyes turned back to her.
"I will not hear any more of this treasonous talk. The Uchiha will work with Konoha to protect the peace. If you are not happy with it then you are welcome to leave," Mikoto said as she looked around. Many of them shifted and looked around uncomfortably. Yes they could leave, but only if they were willing to be declared rogue and hunted down by other nin.
"You cannot do this Mikoto," Tarou said, standing. "You will not exile the righteous members of this clan because of your family's weakness."
"And how do you intend to stop me?" Mikoto asked. While her voice was soft it was heavy with potential. Tarou cleared his throat and glanced around before responding.
"There are precedents for this. We will take a vote and if enough side against you, then by the clan laws you must step down in favor of a more suitable head," Tarou said.
"You intend to directly disobey an order for the Hokage by hiding behind clan laws?" Mikoto couldn't help but ask with a snort. "Have your vote then; but on two conditions. We will do it now and it will be counted by bodies. If you wish to force people to choose sides, then they can face their opponents openly."
"Fine."
Kakashi discreetly signaled his teams and then watched as the battle lines were drawn. If Mikoto didn't win by vote, well she'd win anyway. And if she did win, then Kakashi would be making a few midnight visits instead.
"Well well well, you look a little surprised Tarou. Didn't expect me to have the weight of the clan behind me?" Mikoto couldn't help but taunt.
Tarou just smiled and Mikoto stiffened as she sensed the movement behind her and started to turn. The ANBU reacted instantly but it was too late for them to stop the assassin.
Then Tarou's smile turned to a scowl and Mikoto finished turning around to see her husband with a tanto through his heart. Her eyes bled red and tomoe began swirling as her rage bubbled up.
"Kill the traitors," she hissed, yanking a hidden kunai out and slicing at her assassin's throat. He jumped back only to have an ANBU impale him from behind. Shisui jumped at the elders across from them and Kakashi wasn't far behind him. Jutsu were kept a minimum due to close quarters but that didn't keep Kakashi and Shisui from flashing in and out of sight; appearing behind their enemies only to quickly end their lives. A few more traitors emerged from Mikoto's group but the ANBU bodyguards made quick work of them.
"Mercy!" one of the traitors cried, falling to his knees in front of Shisui. Kakashi flinched as he saw Shisui hesitate, giving the traitor a chance to slice his entire leg open. With a growl he finished off his current opponent and flickered over to kill the traitor before he could finish Shisui off. Then he signaled the second bodyguard team.
"Get him to the hospital now."
They nodded and one gently picked the Uchiha up while the other kept watch. Once the first had a firm grip they disappeared without even the tell tale smoke. Kakashi shook his head and turned back to the fight. Mikoto had moved Fugaku's body to a corner and stood guard over it along with her two bodyguards. There was a line of loyal Uchiha police and ninja around her and a line of bodies around them. Kakashi was about to signal the all clear when he noticed a single remaining ninja standing off to one side running through a series of hand signals.
"Get out of the building!" he yelled as he recognized the fire jutsu. His ANBU responded instantly, grabbing nearby Uchiha and creating exits in the wooden building and he followed suit. He turned to see Mikoto break out of her bodyguard's hold to go back for her husband's body just as the jutsu finished and a fireball engulfed the building. Drawing from a nearby pond Kakashi threw the biggest water jutsu he knew at the building and doused the flame.
As the smoke billowed up his ANBU were already dashing inside. Within seconds they were back out carrying both Fugaku's body and an unconscious Mikoto. Kakashi wanted to follow them to the hospital but with both Shisui and Mikoto out of the picture he decided to stay and restore order to the compound.
Bodies were gathered and sealed for later inspection while the remaining Uchiha ninja finished knocking down the unstable building and put out the remaining embers. The police force set patrols around the compound with strict orders to hold anyone trying to get in or out.
"You should go get some rest ANBU-san," an elder said, coming up to Kakashi as he finished sealing a last body. "We should be able to handle it from here. I will report to the Hokage tomorrow if Mikoto-san or Shisui-san are unable."
Sayoko. Her name is Sayoko, Kakashi though even as he nodded and signaled for the remaining ANBU to gather.
"I will send a few ANBU to keep an eye on things just in case Uchiha-san."
She nodded in thanks before turning back to the chaos that was slowly dying down as everyone finished their duties and headed home for the night.
Kakashi's first stop after dismissing his teams was the hospital. Gecko met him in the hallway and showed him to Shisui's room first.
"What happened?" Shisui asked as soon as the door opened. "No one will tell me anything."
"Mikoto Uchiha is still in the intensive care unit for her burns but the doctors say she will recover. It is unlikely she will be able to resume her ninja career but she should be well enough to function as clan head. The doctors have also evaluated your condition and determined that even with physical therapy it is unlikely you will fully recover from the wound," Gecko reported blandly.
"The compound is currently being run by Elder Sayoko. There was a fire but it was put out and the building was already pulled down just in case. Patrols have been set, both police and ANBU-" Kakashi started only to be interrupted.
"What happened?" Shisui asked again.
"After I had you taken to the hospital we fought and killed most of the traitors. One managed to get away long enough to use the Katon: Gokakyo no Jutsu. They poured enough chakra into it to completely engulf the building. We had gotten everyone out but Mikoto-san went back in after Fugaku's body. I used a Suiton to put the flames out, my ANBU retrieved both Mikoto-san and her husband's body and brought them here while I supervised cleanup at the compound," Kakashi said in a bored tone. "Elder Sayoko said she will make the report to the Hokage tomorrow if neither of you were out of the hospital yet. I'll be turning in my report as well."
"The nurses said I wouldn't be let out for at least a few more days," Shisui grumbled and Kakashi grinned underneath his ANBU mask.
"I'm sure they can manage for a few days."
"Keep Sasuke-kun and Itachi-kun safe until I'm out of here," Shisui said and then as an afterthought added, "Please."
"Sure."
With a nod Kakashi slipped back out and went to find Mikoto. The nurses wouldn't let him in the room but said she was stable. One of her bodyguards acknowledged him before discreetly slipping into her room to join his partner. Satisfied that things were as well as they could be, he signaled his ANBU and then headed home.
Given everything else that had already happened Kakashi could almost excuse himself for forgetting about the police that had been shadowing Sasuke-kun. Almost. The signs of fighting around his home were obvious as he got closer, and his heart seemed unable to decide whether it wanted to beat too fast or not at all.
Naruto. I promised to protect him. If I failed him again- Kakashi quickly cut of his train of thought and made himself take a deep breath. He summoned his ninken, all of whom were looking confused.
"What's wrong boss?" Pakkun asked, glancing around. When he saw they were merely outside the house he decided to add. "Pup and his friend are fine by the way."
"And any remaining intruders?"
"We checked after the initial attack and again an hour or so later. The ANBU didn't find anything either," Pakkun reported. "Bear-san took the ones we captured to be questioned."
"Who's watching the kids then?"
"I am," an amused voice said from behind him.
"Ah Snake. Somehow that doesn't make me feel any better," he said, giving her his best fake smile and letting his kunai fall back into its pouch.
"Don't worry. Weasel is with the brats inside I'm just doing patrols. Now go get some rest commander. We've got everything under control here." Her voice was strangely gentle and she gave his shoulder a soft push.
"Hai hai," he said, giving her a wave and jumping down from the trees. The ninken followed and they quietly slipped in the front door.
Itachi was waiting inside, tired but with a satisfied look on his face.
"I take it you handled the intrusion?" Kakashi asked dryly.
"They didn't even know what hit them. Quite literally."
"And the boys?" As they spoke he started removing his outer gear tiredly.
"Were already sleeping and didn't wake up."
"Good job. You should get some rest and we'll debrief in the morning."
"How did the meeting go?"
Kakashi froze as he realized the circumstances. I have to tell him though. I can't let him find out from a mission report or an offhand comment.
Itachi tensed as Kakashi did and the smile quickly fell off his face.
"What happened?" he asked, unknowingly echoing his cousin.
"Let me get a bite to eat and I'll fill you in. It's been a long night," Kakashi said as he walked into the kitchen. He pulled some leftovers out to reheat and started a pot of tea. He was stalling, and he knew it but more than anything he didn't want to tell Itachi that his father was dead, his mother was intensive care, and his cousin would probably never be on active duty again. The brothers had become part of his small family with Naruto and the news was going to hurt them.
Eventually he could stall no longer as the tea finished and his food was warm. Mechanically he ate after making two cups of tea and placing one in front of Itachi. Itachi waited patiently for Kakashi to finish though his hands gripped the teacup slightly tighter than necessary.
"The meeting started out fine. First hour or two was boring talking but then one of the elders accused Mikoto-san and Fugaku-san of being weak. They said that bowing to the Hokage's will not only in the case of leadership but also forgetting the coup was wrong and challenged Mikoto's right to the position of clan head," Kakashi said, running a hand through his hair. "There is precedence in the clan bylaws so a vote was taken and Mikoto-san won.
"But it was a trap. One of the traitors stood with Mikoto's side and tried to stick a tanto in her back. None of the bodyguards were in a position to stop it but your father managed to save her at the cost of his own life. All of the traitors were executed but one managed to get off a Katon inside the building. Your mother went back into the flames after your father's body and was injured in the process. Shisui was also injured in the fight and while both he and your mother will survive it is unlikely either will ever be fit for active duty again."
"What happened to Shisui-nii?" Itachi asked in a hoarse voice.
"One of the traitors started pleading for mercy and he hesitated. The traitor took a kunai and sliced his entire left leg open. The muscles and tendons were pretty badly damaged by the looks of it, plus he lost a lot of blood."
Itachi nodded and forced himself to take deep steadying breaths.
"I'm sorry. Both Shisui-san and Mikoto-san had bodyguards yet-"
"It's not your fault. The ones responsible are dead and my father has restored his honor as well. Our clan will survive and hopefully this will never happen again."
"Did you want me to tell Sasuke-kun?" Kakashi asked after a moment.
"No. I'll tell him tomorrow morning after Naruto-kun goes to school. I'll take him to see Shisui-nii and mother as well."
"Alright. I'll inform the school he will be gone due to personal matters. Take whatever time you feel you need," Kakashi said, getting up and putting his dishes in the sink. "And until Shisui or your mother is released from the hospital Sasuke-kun will be staying with me. You are welcome to stay as well or stay in the ANBU barracks but you are not to stay at the Uchiha compound. If you wish to get yours and Sasuke-kun's things that is fine but make sure to take a few ANBU with just in case."
"I need to be there!"
"Then you can argue with Shisui-san because it was his decision, not mine," Kakashi replied blandly. "Though I completely agree with it and as your commander I can make it an order if you feel you can't obey your acting clan head."
Itachi fumed briefly but then sighed and let his shoulders sag. "I'll stay here with Sasuke."
"Good. Hopefully having Naruto around to cheer him up will help him. With your permission I'll let Naruto know what happened as well so he doesn't say anything too stupid."
"That's fine. And Kakashi-"
"Hmmm?"
"Thank you."
Kakashi quickly turned to look at Itachi, who just gave him a sad smile. Later he would blame it on being around Naruto too much, but Kakashi didn't stop himself as he walked over to Itachi and drew him into a gentle hug.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more."
Itachi stiffened initially, but then relaxed and let silent tears fall. Sometimes Kakashi forgot just how young Itachi was. He was still only eleven for all of his training and skill. When Itachi pulled back Kakashi didn't stop him, instead ruffling the boy's hair like he did to Naruto and Sasuke. Itachi just smiled and wiped his eyes.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. And once things are settled we're going to finally start our real training."
AN: Ok I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry….I was what…three weeks late getting this up. I kept flip flopping between who, if anyone, would die and all of that. You guys can thank my beta for her input otherwise Shisui or Mikoto would have been dead too. Also side note: a tanto is a small blade normally about 8-10inches long I believe. When you see the sets of 3 Japanese style swords, the smallest is the Tanto, then the Wakizashi and then the Katana is the largest.
Real quick, to clarify. The part with Kakashi's daughter if for the sequel story, not a part of this one. It was a teaser I wrote because I had such a clear picture in my head of it. Also for those of you who enjoy a variety of Naruto fics, I'm betaing one called Exit Strategy by Krakonfive. It's an OC insert with a scifi twist. The first chapter or two are a bit slow but it really picks up as it goes so if you like OC inserts check it out. He's great with his fight scenes too.
Giselle- Sorry for such a late update. You always review first for me too so I hate making you wait. Hope you like it in its final form.
Noxy- thannnks I like cute. Makes me feel better when I have to write sad chapters like this one.
Maxride- Thanks and again sorry for the delay.
Lady Mimi- never feel bad about not getting around to reviewing.
Prescripto- Thanks. I try and sometimes it's easier than others lol. Warm and fuzzies are important in a family fic, at least in my opinion.
Kurokaze- Lol yes but if I rushed through it too much then you'd feel rushed and you'd miss the importance of stopping to smell the bloody kunai…or roses. Take your pic.
Mysteriouseyes- Lol next story not chapter, but yes there will be a mini Kakashi. Best part is her dad totally embarrasses her. I mean can you imagine having to drag you dad to his meetings so he's not late.
Andysanime- Lol jeez you guys all made the same mistake. Naruto will meet her when he's older so it'll be a bit different. Though given his relationship with Itachi and Sasuke I can already imagine the energetic responses.
Amyethious- I've been hard at work I promise. This chapter was almost double my normal length after all.
Bethlovesall- We'll find out more about them next chapter when Kakashi gets to talk to Ibiki finally.
Darkhuntress- lol more of good going idiot, since she's a mission baby but you'll see. This fic has prob another 50k words to get through first but then I'll be starting Copy Nin and Puppies
Bat-Dove- Can you blame him for being a little emo? But you'll see.
Jane- thanks and don't worry. Daughter thing is a sequel story so you won't see her until much further down the line.
Mellokai-glad you found the time to read it and keep up the good work with your own fic.
Skipper917- thanks a bunch and enjoy.
Barryc10- Thanks for the addition. I sometimes forget about the extra details like that. Although once you noted it I immediately remembered the scene lol.
Zera- well wait no longer at least for this next part lol. Enjoy.