Chapter 38

Yo Yos and Little Ninjas

When he got home Sandaime was worn out. He couldn't shut Mrs. Morino's words out of her mind. On the way home he had stopped by a store and bought a few toys.

I knew it was a problem, but I had no idea how bad it was. Still, it was wartime, and sacrifices had to be made.

He peeked into Asuma's room. I hope he's ok, the Hokage thought. He didn't see much action. I don't know if he had to kill anyone. If he did he never mentioned it.

Asuma was reading a book intently.

"What are you reading?" his father asked. "Is it a textbook?"

"No," Asuma said. "It's a novel about a horse-rancher up north named Isamu. He's about to drive 40 horses south to sell them, but the bad guy is trying to poison the horses so the rancher's daughter will be poor enough that she'll have to marry him for his money. I don't think she'll do it though. He's a real jerk. This is the fourth book in the series."

"I guess it's good then?" the Hokage asked.

"It's awesome! I've never ridden a horse. I want to try it sometime."

"We don't get to spend much time together, do we?" the Hokage asked.

"It's ok," Asuma said. "I know you have a whole village to run."

"I'm going to try to get more work done than usual so we can spend a whole day together next week. Would you like that?"

"Yeah!" Asuma said. "We haven't done that for years."

"I think I could arrange for us to ride a couple horses if you want."

Asuma's grin couldn't have been any wider. "That's awesome!"

"I have something I want to show you," the Hokage said. "It's sort of an experiment."

He pulled a yo-yo out of his pocket and used it, making it stop at the end of the string for a few seconds and pop back into his hand. He handed it to Asuma.

Asuma experimented with the yo-yo, catching on after a couple tries. "What is it?" he asked.

"What do you think it is?" the Hokage asked.

"It's a toy I guess. I've never seen anything like it."

"You can keep it," Sandaime said. "I thought you might like it."

As he left Asuma was flicking the yo-yo back and forth, clearly happy with his new toy.

I think my son was spared for the most part, the Hokage thought. The thought was followed by a guilty feeling. I wonder how many children weren't spared. I never asked for special treatment for him. I was just lucky.

Rin had made the list quickly. She's efficient, he thought. It's too bad she's such a hard woman.

He didn't know Maito Gai, but Kurenai and Itachi were on there, as well as Orochimaru's student Anko, and Kakashi and Ibiki. According to Rin's notes they were the only children that had been sent out to the war effort that survived. About 15 more had gone out and died on the field.

It had only been four hours between the time he asked for the list and Rin made it, but she had already gathered details for him. Gai and Kurenai hadn't seen much action, but Kakashi, Ibiki, Itachi, and Anko had all been involved in some serious activity. All of them except Ibiki had been in numerous battles, and Ibiki had been part of interrogating prisoners – not to mention the trauma he'd already undergone.

I'll start with the ones who didn't have much happen to them, he thought.

He knew Kurenai's parents personally, so he started with them first.

"Hokage-sama! This is an honor. Come in and have some tea with us," Kurenai's mother said. She was dressed in a kimono embroidered with a peacock. Everything about her was elegant and calming, and the Hokage thought that if her daughter was half as charming as her mother she would be a heart-breaker. He was fairly sure she'd already stolen Asuma's heart.

He saw that the family was together in the living room. Kurenai stood and bowed slightly. She must be doing that for her parents to see, he thought. She's usually informal with me.

He had hopes that Asuma and Kurenai might marry someday. They seemed so happy together.

Kurenai poured tea for him, using impeccable manners. It was good tea. He didn't know enough to know what type it was, but he knew it was expensive. Kurenai's family had money, and they knew how to use it.

They chatted for awhile, and when he'd waited long enough to be polite he said, "I'm performing a little experiment."

He pulled a yo-yo out of his pocket and showed Kurenai how it worked. When he handed it to her she was obviously captivated.

"Would you like to keep it?" he asked.

"Oh yes," she said. "I could paint flowers on the sides and they would spin. It's lovely! Thank you, Hokage-sama."

He decided to wait and visit Kakashi and Ibiki the next day. He wanted to spend more time with them, and he had a feeling his little experiment would play out differently.

He returned to his office and issued a summon for CROW. It was usual for him to summon ANBU at all hours, and it didn't raise suspicion among the Uchihas, at least as far as he knew.

CROW arrived and stood almost at attention, his body straight. "You summoned me, Hokage-sama?"

"I did," the Hokage ask. "Remove your mask."

CROW pulled off his mask, and the Hokage saw a face far too serious for a ten year old boy. Dark lines under his eyes told him that Itachi didn't sleep much.

"How have you been?" he asked.

"No one suspects me," Itachi said. "There haven't been any definite plans made yet, but I'm strong enough that I think they'll involve me in their plans if it ever comes to violence."

"Thank you, but that's not what I meant. How have you been lately, Itachi?"

Itachi's brow furrowed. "I'm healthy, if that's what you're asking. My last physical came back with no problems."

"How old are you now?" the Hokage asked.

"Sir, I know that you would know ANBU members personal details. Why do you ask?"

"I wanted to chat with you. Are you familiar with chatting?"

"Its' a way of interacting with others socially. It's used to bridge social gaps and ease tension between people."

"That's the definition, yes," the Hokage said.

"My family never "chatted", Itachi said. "We are more direct than that. Communication should serve a purpose."

"I see," the Hokage said. He pulled a yo-yo out of his pocket. "I want you to participate in a small experiment I'm doing."

He flicked the yo-yo a few times. "What do you think of this?" he asked, handing the toy to Itachi.

Itachi spun the toy a couple times. "It's a poor weapon, sir. The string is flimsy. If a heavier material than wood was used, and a stronger medium than string it could be formidable in the right hands. Someone could use an air jutsu to expand the range, and it could hit an opponent in the head. Because it returns it could be useful as a ranged weapon that is reusable, but we already have better ranged weapons. I wouldn't choose it myself."

Itachi handed the yo-yo back to the Hokage.

"What would you say if I told you this is a children's toy?" the Hokage asked.

"Weaponizing a children's toy could be useful," Itachi said. "No one would expect it, certainly. It could be used in subterfuge. One of the younger ninjas could carry it without arousing suspicion."

"Thank you, Itachi," the Hokage said. "You've given me a lot to think about. Would you like to keep it?"

"I have better weapons," Itachi said.

"Of course," the Hokage said. "Dismissed."

Itachi put his mask back on, and CROW left the building.

Not a bit of child left in him, the Hokage thought. I think it's too late for Itachi. He's so cold; I've never seen anything except CROW from him; I wonder if there's even really an Itachi left. If there's any way to help him I'll try to find it.

There were two more children he wanted to see that day. He summoned Maito Gai, and was surprised to see an energetic child in a green work-out suit.

"You summoned me, sir?" Gai asked.

"Yes. I don't believe we've ever met. I understand you saw some action during the war."

"Not much, sir," Gai said. "I was involved in one battle, but by the time my unit got there it was almost over. I was used on guard duty a lot. My teammates seem to think I'm over-energetic, and they said I might as well put all that energy to good use. I think they just need to eat better and have a more positive attitude."

"How do you feel about your time on the field?" the Hokage asked. "Do you have bad dreams or problems because of the things you saw?"

"Sometimes I have some nightmares about the war," Gai said, "but my dad says those will go away over time. It's not too bad. I didn't really see much."

"I see," the Hokage said. He showed Gai how the yo-yo worked and handed it to Gai. "What do you think of this?" he asked.

Gai flicked the yo-yo several times, and then he spun it so that it stopped at the bottom of the string and spun in place. He tried to pull it back to his hand, but it didn't work.

"That's cool!" he said. He spun it again and let it stay at the end of the string for a moment, popping it back up to his hand. The Hokage saw the pure, child-like joy on his face.

"Do you like it then?" the Hokage asked.

"I do!" Gai said. "What is it?"

"It's a toy," the Hokage said. "You can have it to play with if you'd like."

"Thank you sir," Gai said. He spun the toy a couple more times. "What did you summon me for though?"

"I just wanted to ask about you time on the field during the war," the Hokage said. "Sending children out to fight isn't something that I wanted to do, and I wanted to know if you were ok."

Gai's face changed to a look of wonderment. "You were personally concerned for me? This is why Konoha is the greatest of the ninja villages, and we will always be."

He closed his eyes and held his fist to his chest. "I will always cherish this meeting, Hokage-sama, and remember it when I am tempted to do less than my best at training."

"Er…thank you Gai. You may go."

What a strange child, the Hokage thought, but obviously happy. And he's still a child.

He'd never met Anko, but he knew about her. Everyone knew about her. She was a pariah, a powerful ninja that had learned from Orochimaru. She was therefore valuable and suspected at the same time.

He summoned her, and when she arrived she was obviously nervous. She held her hands before her, moving her fingers. She looked at the floor, or the desk - anywhere but directly at him.

"Am I in trouble?" she asked.

"Not at all," the Hokage said. "I just wanted to talk with you."

"About what, sir?" she asked.

"I understand you saw a lot of action during the war."

"I was part of an ambush, and I was with the unit that protected the interrogators while they worked. The enemy tried to retake or kill prisoners several times."

"How are you adjusting now that you're home?" he asked.

"I'm fine, sir. My boyfriend has been sick, and I'm worried about him, but other than that I'm just really glad to be home."

He demonstrated the yo-yo and handed it to Anko. "What do you think of it?" he asked.

She copied him and caught the toy. "I don't know," she said. "What is it supposed to do?"

"You tell me," the Hokage said.

She used it a few more times. "I supposed it could be used to hit someone in the head, but it's not much of a weapon."

"Thank you Anko," the Hokage said. "It's a childrens' toy – just something to enjoy. I'd like you to keep it. See what you can do with it."

Anko looked at the yo-yo with obvious confusion. "Thank you sir," she said. "Was there anything else?"

"That's all," the Hokage said. "You're dismissed."

He had work to do, and by the time he had finished his various chores and duties it was late. When he got home he cracked Asuma's door and just looked at him sleeping.

He looks so peaceful, Sarutobi thought. I'm so glad he didn't see much on the battlefield. I hope I can help those children who did.

Asuma woke and rubbed his eyes. "Dad? Is something wrong?"

The Hokage went into his room and sat on his bed. "Nothing is wrong, son. I just had a long, hard day and wanted to see you."

"It's hard to be Hokage, isn't it?" Asuma asked.

"Some days are harder than others," the Hokage said. "Knowing you'll be here when I come home makes it a little easier."

"I'm glad," Asuma said. He yawned. "Sorry," he said.

"It's ok. I know you kids need enough sleep, and it's late. Go back to sleep, and get a haircut soon. You're looking shaggy."

"I want to grow it out like the rancher in my book," Asuma said. "It said he had "long, flowing hair".

The Hokage chuckled. "I suppose it couldn't hurt anything. It's just another way of playing, isn't it?"

"What?"

"Never mind. I'm just glad that you're happy. Goodnight."

"Dad, I love you, but you're really weird sometimes."

"All parents are weird in their children's eyes. Go to sleep."

The next day he had to see the children he'd put off visiting. He had been to Akihiro's house before, and Mrs. Morino welcomed him.

"I want to talk to Kakashi and Ibiki," he said. "You were right about the children that fought in the war. I'm trying to decide how to help them. Are they home?"

"They're studying right now," she said. "They're both very serious about their studies. They're serious about almost everything."

Ibiki sat at the desk and Kakashi on the bed. They were both reading text books with yellow high-lighters in their hands.

"You boys look like you're working hard," the Hokage said.

"Hokage-sama?" Kakashi asked. "Are we needed?"

"No," the Hokage said. "I wanted to speak with you two. We have a lot to talk about. Which one of you would like to go first?"

Kakashi and Ibiki looked at each other. "I guess I will, sir," Kakashi said.

"Ok. Could you leave us for a while, Ibiki? I'll call for you when we're done here."

He looked at the child/man that sat on the bed. Those eyes look so old, he thought. Like Itachi, Kakashi had dark marks under his eyes, but unlike Itachi his clothes hung loosely around him.

"You've lost weight," the Hokage said.

"Have I?" Kakashi asked. "I've been sick lately. Mother feeds us a lot, but I haven't been able to eat much."

"I heard about the problems with the Sharingan. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes and no," Kakashi said.

"Explain the no part," the Hokage said.

"It's not important," Kakashi said. "I can still fight."

"I didn't come here to check on your capabilities as a ninja," the Hokage said. "I actually do care about my ninjas as people. I've been talking to some of the children who were out on the battlefield, and what I've learned concerns me. How has all this affected you? I want you to be honest with me. You won't lose my respect."

"I talked with Dr. Yamanako earlier," Kakashi said. "He said I'm depressed. I guess that's true."

"I'm not surprised," the Hokage said. "You've had a lot of bad things happen. Have you talked with your father about it?"

"No," Kakashi said. "He came by earlier, but I didn't want to bother him. I just want to enjoy our time together without thinking about serious stuff."

"Is there anyone you talk to about how you feel?"

"Akihiro and Mother," Kakashi said. "They understand."

"I'm glad you have someone you can talk to. I want you to know you can always come to me too."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said.

The Hokage pulled out another yo-yo and showed it to Kakashi. "What do you make of this?" he asked.

Unlike the other children Kakashi didn't try to use it at first. He turned it over in his hand and unwound the string, and then he peered into it.

"You could attack a shuriken somehow, but you'd need to use something besides string. Wire might work, but it would cut the finger. I suppose you could make some sort of metal finger cover, but it doesn't really seem worth the effort."

"It's a toy, Kakashi. You're supposed to play with it."

Kakashi flipped the toy a few times. "Mother has been trying to get me to play lately," Kakashi said. "I don't really understand how to do it."

"No," the Hokage said sadly. "I suppose you don't. Keep the toy, and come by if you need to talk. I'd like to speak to Ibiki now. Could you wait in the other room for a bit?"

Ibiki came in and sat, meeting the Hokage's eyes. He gave out an aura of power. That is not the look of a child, Sandaime thought.

"I've been talking to some of the children who were sent out during the war," the Hokage said. "I know about what happened to you out there. How have you been healing?"

"I'm getting better," The Interrogator said. "My family is helping me, and Kakashi has become a comrade and a brother."

"Do you have any problems that you'd like to tell me about?" the Hokage asked. "I'm interested in helping you children readjust to life after the war."

The Interrogator leaned back in his chair and put his hands together with the fingers making a small steeple.

"You are my Hokage," The Interrogator said. "I'm obligated to be honest with you."

What sort of child talks like this? He wondered. Ibiki reminded him of CROW.

"I just want to help you," the Hokage said.

"You do, don't you? There are problems, yes, but we're coping."

"How are you coping?" the Hokage asked.

"We're working to turn what happened into strength instead of weakness. We've been looking after Kakashi, and somehow that helps us heal. I don't really know how."

"I'm glad that you've found a way to deal with it," the Hokage said. "Do you speak with a doctor about all this?"

"It isn't necessary," The Interrogator said.

"I'm going to speak with your parents and suggest that you talk to a psychologist. I want you to have all the chances you can have to live a full life."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," the Interrogator said, "but it isn't necessary."

"I have one last thing to ask," the Hokage said. He showed The Interrogator the yo-yo, still thinking he was talking to Ibiki.

"What do you make of it?" he asked.

The Interrogator flipped the toy a few times. "You're testing me to see if I still have the ability to play and think like a child, aren't you?"

The Hokage looked into dark, severe eyes. This one is either going to be an amazing asset to Konoha or one of our worst problems, he thought.

"That's very perceptive of you," the Hokage said.

"I don't need that ability," The Interrogator said. "I understand that you want us to progress normally, but that's a lost cause. You might be able to rehabilitate Kakashi and Anko, but I am changed forever."

He pulled his headband off. "This can't be changed," he said.

"I suppose not," the Hokage said. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I want to be an interrogator," The Interrogator said. "I've heard that you know 1000 jutsus. Is it true?"

"Not 1000, but possibly more than any ninja alive," the Hokage said.

"Will you teach me jutsus to use?" The Interrogator said. "I want to serve my village, and if you really want to help me that would be the way."

"How old are you?"

"My body is seven, but my soul is old," The Interrogator said. He pointed to his head. "I haven't been a child since this happened."

"I'll make a bargain with you," the Hokage said. "If you'll talk with a psychologist I'll teach you jutsus when you're older."

"I'll do my part," The Interrogator said, "if you can assure me that what he finds out won't keep me from being a ninja."

The Hokage realized that he was negotiating with a child as if he was an equal, and it seemed normal.

"Whatever you say will stay between you and your doctor. Unless he feels like you're going to hurt yourself or someone else I'll never need to know what happens between you."

The Interrogator held out his hand and shook the Hokage's hand solemnly. "It's a deal," he said.

When he got home, Asuma was on the couch playing with the yo-yo. "Check this out!" he said. He made a cat's cradle. "I figured it out all by myself. How cool is that?"

"Very cool," his father said. "I'll show you a few tricks."

Asuma gave him the yo-yo and watched as his father showed him tricks with it.

That night the Hokage lay awake in bed, trying to decide how best to help the ones who had lost their innocence for the village. I might have lost one or more of them, he thought. I hope not. I'll find a way to protect the next generation.