Blaze 8
"Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him."
James Allen
Early the next morning, Kakashi and Tami stood outside of the Aburame home. It was painted a dull boring shade of yellow, and the door was supposed to be white but had been weathered by time. For the home of a Clan head, it was unassuming. From what little Tami heard of the Aburame they had a rotten string of luck - same as a few other clans. Same as- she glanced at Kakashi's back as he moved to knock on the door. Tami's gut twisted.
Not only if she did a wrong move, she'd alert Danzo to her activities - but there wasn't a way to say how this Shibi would take the idea.
Shino answered the door.
"Yes?"
Tami could barely recognize the flicker of recognition that flashed on his face. Were all the Abrume men that way?
"Is your father in?" Kakashi asked.
The answer to her question was yes.
Shibi stood tall and composed. His eyes were hidden behind small sunglasses and he wore a similar coat to his son. The difference between the two? The large gord on his back. Tami refused to wonder what it held. Where Shino had some fluctuations in his tone, Tami soon found out his father had none.
"Can I help you?" Shibi asked.
"It's good to see you again. This is Walker Tami, she's here to get your expertise on a project given to her by the Hokage." Kakashi said.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance." Tami added on.
Shibi didn't huff, or grunt. He just opened his door wide and let the two in. He showed them into his home to the sitting area. He didn't give a word, instead he bade them to sit with a wave of his hand.
As the two visitors sat while Tami caught a glimpse of Shino in the hall keeping a curious eye on them.
"What's this project?" Shibi asked.
Well, the man was straight to the point.
The only thing Tami had to figure out next would be how to handle telling him.
Kakashi glanced at her and she took it as her cue.
"With the - with Sasuke leaving the Uchiha compound, the Hokage thought it smart to look over the area to see what can be salvaged for future use. Upon new eyes, there seems to be a mystery brewing. We - ah… think more happened there than previously believed."
She waited for a moment before continuing on. Shibi clearly wasn't much for small talk.
"It was brought to my attention that someone from the Abrume clan could help."
"And how would I be helping?"
"I've been told your, ah, insects could potentially uncover some evidence lost by time."
And now the waiting game.
Shibi fell silent. Nothing about him showed he had even begun to contemplate her words. The silence that followed made her want to squirm.
"Some mysteries are better unsolved." He said finally. He leaned forward to stand but she spoke up.
"And some mysteries can come back to haunt us." Tami replied quickly. "Some mysteries don't stay that way. If Itachi killed his entire clan with none the wiser, who's to say it couldn't happen again."
Shibi shot a glance at his son still spying in the hall.
"Don't you have training with your sensei?" He asked.
Shino left quickly. Shibi didn't turn to look at her for a long time as he waited for his son to be long gone.
"This is dangerous. I lost a kinsman over the Uchiha." He said.
"It could be. But seeing as there's a handful of Uchiha eyes missing from the crime scene, it might be wise to learn more."
Both Kakashi and Shibi jerked.
"What do you mean missing?" Kakashi asked. "Kekkei Genkai are dealt with after reports are done."
"The reports from the morgue state that the highly trained Uchiha all had their eyes missing. Uchiha Fugaku was among them."
Neither man spoke, her Darling only gripped the arm rest.
"The evidence says there could potentially be two killers at the scene. One trying to kill humanely and quickly. The other…." Tami shot a look at Kakashi, taming her words , "the other less so."
"This is going to catch attention." Shibi murmured.
"I know. But if an enemy ninja got his hands on Uchiha eyes, isn't that worth the investigation?"
He shot a look at Kakashi and Tami.
"I'll meet you there at three." Shibi said quietly. He got up and led them to the door.
"Do not speak of this to anyone else. Not even from my clan." He said softly.
"Of course." Tami murmured as they left. "Thank you."
Kakashi followed her out. As they headed away, he fell into step beside her.
"You think there's two killers. What did you think of the other one?" He asked.
Tami glanced away, feeling her heart squeeze.
"I thought you wanted to be interviewed. I couldn't tell you information about a case."
It was a weak argument. It wasn't like he didn't see her work the day before on her table.
"I thought you couldn't interview me." He countered. Again, she refused to meet his eye. "You have no intention of asking or telling me anything, do you?"
"It's an official investigation and…" Tami raised her chin by a notch. If he could just let her be.
He got in her way, towering over her.
"Tami-chan, stop babying me." He said, staring down at her.
"I'm not-"
"You are."
He's right. He was right and she knew it.
Tami finally looked him in the eye.
"I'm just-." She broke eye contact, dropping her head. "I-I don't want to cause you more pain."
"I'm okay."
Taking a deep breath she grabbed him by his jacket and pulled him off to the side. Glancing around she ignored his shocked grunt to make sure they were alone. She even focused to see if she could sense anyone.
No one.
Good.
"Darling, do… do you really want to be interviewed?" She asked, feeling like a brick settled itself right on her chest. The idea of walking him through any of his past pain bothered her. Even if it was the Uchiha massacre, and it wasn't personal as his previous struggles. With Obito's name potentially attached, he might see it as his own failure. Did he? Or was she just treating him like a child? This wouldn't be him telling her one thing or another. It would be pointed questions. In depth analysis.
"Yes," he said with just a touch of a dry tone, "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't."
"When you… when you get back - I'll interview you. Bring the team from that day, whomever you trust, and we'll… we'll go through it." Tami agreed.
Satisfaction flickered across his face, and he stood a touch taller.
While he was happy, she didn't share the sentiment. In fact, she felt ill. She stayed there for a moment, hoping she hadn't made a mistake.
"Tami-chan - I thought you hated my jacket." He said.
Looking down, Tami realized her hands were still clenching the vile insult-to-armor. Before she could do anything, he snapped forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek and pulled away.
Despite herself, she felt her face heat.
"See you later." Kakashi cheekily said before disappearing in a poof. Ire shot through her as she scrubbed her face trying to get rid of the blush.
"That man." She grumbled under her breath. She'd get him back. While she may have been irritated, the affection she had for him grew.
X
Tsunade swirled her sake cup as she went through the piles of paperwork on her desk. Shizune sighed next to her, Tonton tucked faithfully under one arm.
"There's so much." Shizune muttered.
"Yeah." Tsunade agreed.
Genma's reports were among the piles. His evaluation of Tami had been on the top.
With some more refining, she could be a Tokubetsu jounin. While Tsunade now saw Tami was loyal to the village, she still had some time until she reached Tokubetsu rank. The files she had on the young woman stated she had a long way to go if she wanted to be a Jounin. A Tokubetsu Jounin would be easier. According to Genma's estimations, Tami could achieve it in a year. Having heard from Kakashi she planned to get back into the field, Tsunade pondered what to do. Her proteges were still training in another room. The beginning of the Chunin exams were less than a week away. An attack from the Akatsuki was expected, as dictated by Itachi himself.
The plan Gaara concocted worked. She only hoped they could pick off the Akatsuki one by one, with or without the help of Itachi.
The story he told - the same Maya had told- and the one Tami had been investigating unsettled Tsunade.
Sarutobi-sensei had let Danzo wreak havoc on the Uchiha. Even with the curse of hatred, she felt it was wrong.
'They were planning on a coup d'etat.' Tsunade reasoned. But the Hokage would have spoken to them the morning after the massacre. 'He didn't even give the Third an attempt to get peace. It was just a means to an end.'
And Danzo used a teenager to do so. He manipulated a teenager to get what he wanted.
"How many teens do you think we have in the Anbu?" Tsunade wondered out loud.
"I… I don't know. Maybe a handful? There's a few really good Shinobi who end up there." Shizune said, "would you like me to find out?"
"Yeah. When you have time. Keep it quiet though."
Danzo manipulated dozens of people. How many children did he have under his influence?
Tsunade stood up, glancing back at Shizune. "I'll be back. I'm checking up on my students."
Peeking in on them, she watched them carefully. Although Sakura was her protegee, Ino had taken it upon herself to become a medic as well.
'Probably because she knew neither Choji or Shikamaru would learn the art of healing.'
The two were coming along excellently. The two still argued when she wasn't in the room. In fact-.
"Shut up, forehead-girl!" Ino snapped.
"You first!" Sakura growled back.
Tsunade sighed.
One of these days, life would slow down. But right now, she had a Village to run. Her students were doing well enough. Turning away, Tsunade headed back to her office. When she arrived, a new letter sat on her table.
Shizune busied herself with Tonton and other paperwork pertaining to the Chunin exams. Tsunade took a finger and dragged the letter closer.
In elegantly written script had 'to my turtledove' right across the center of the letter.
Tsunade smiled and slipped the letter into her jacket for later. Really, Jiraiya was incorrigible. Somehow, between denying him for years and giving him one date, she saw him in a new light.
When she had time later she'd read his letter. For now….
Tsunade shifted a stack of papers, seeing the report on Danzo's movement. For now, she had a roach to track.
X
Tami's day of investigation after work could easily be described as Maya was right. There, for sure, were two killers. With the help of Shibi and his insects - the blood time sunk into the woods and ground found its way to the surface. The different shoe sizes stamped in blood had been the final nail. With the help of the insects via Shibi - they could even track the paths of the two killers. The general profile of one versus the other killer had been simple: one killed as quickly as he could, as painlessly as possible. The other - the other didn't care. Some areas the killer had chosen to go all out, like the police force, others he just carelessly murdered his victims.
The final trail the team discovered had been the Uchiha home. Fugaku and his wife, Mikoto, died in their bedrooms. The position of the blood on the floor seemed to suggest they weren't asleep in their beds. Fugaku chose to die. He chose to give up his own life, and by extension his clan.
The discovery caused Tami to realize what exactly was at stake. Her life, the village, the clans, and a master manipulator.
Shibi stared at the black spot on the floor. His bugs had revealed the past evidence, illuminated by the light Tami brought.
The man didn't say a word before turning around and walking out. He left not long after, stating that he had other work to do. Genma and Tami stood and watched him go.
"I wonder if he knew Fugaku well." Tami muttered.
"Probably. They're both clan heads." Genma said.
"Mmmm. Probably a biweekly meeting, ah?"
"Probably. Where they all brag about how great their kids are."
What a bittersweet thought - maybe that was when Shibi last saw Fugaku alive, bragging about Sasuke or that other one. Maybe Shibi had served beside the talented Shinobi. Or maybe they had been friends. Tami couldn't say, but only Shibi knew. She bet he'd keep it secret.
Having what she could collect for the time being, she and Genma returned to the Hokage.
The two headed back to the office.
"Well?" The Hokage asked.
"As of right now, we know there were two killers."
"And the connection to Danzo?
"Being worked on. Aburame Shibi seemed uncomfortable with even helping with the crime scene. In order to look further, we'd have to pull Anbu patrol records and give interviews."
"Our informant involving the poisons doesn't want to talk either." Genma added.
"Pulling those records would gain attention." Tsunade murmured. She rested her elbows on the desk, folding her hands under her chin.
"More than likely. How is Danzo seen by the shinobi assigned to him?"
"A necessary evil. Some have been convinced he's good." Genma said, and Tsunade sighed.
"Sarutobi-sama didn't like shows of force or involving himself in darker business."
"So it created a power vacuum." Tami murmured. Genma shot her a questioning look, and she shook her head. "He didn't step up and take care of what he should have when he should have. So, someone stepped up. Took advantage of his kindness."
"That's a good way to put it." Tsunade said surly. "Can we prove it?"
"Itachi himself is a witness, but… but I'm sure there's Anbu out there who knows more."
"Like who?"
Tami didn't respond for a moment. She nearly wanted to say she didn't know - but she did. Kakashi did. He knew.
"Hatake Kakashi. He was among those who found the massacre. He worked with Itachi as well."
"Well that makes it easy." Tsunade hummed.
"He was the Third and Fourth's right hand." Genma said, "out of anyone, he knows the inner workings. Bet you anything he knows way more than any of us."
Tami hadn't quite realized Kakashi was that close to the previous Hokage's. Now that she thought about it, she never did get a close look at the Fourth Hokage. Who had he been? And why had Kakashi been his right hand? Or Hiruzen's for that matter?
Tsunade said, "are you going to interview him?"
"He wishes to." Tami replied carefully.
"I'm assigning Inoichi to help you. I want to make sure we get to the bottom of this." She ordered.
Oh. Great. She hoped Inoichi wouldn't find out about her relationship with Kakashi. But his skills being what they were, it was inevitable.
"Once we start questioning the Anbu, we're going to get noticed." Genma said.
Ah, that too. The minute the Anbu knew, Danzo would soon enough as well.
He would obviously do whatever he could to keep it under wraps. Her life could be forfeit. And Genma's. Tsunade would be fine, as she was the Hokage and could handle such swine, but could they? Could she?
"Do the interviews under the guise that we are about to go after Itachi for the deaths of the Uchiha. He attacked our Ninja recently, so it makes sense we're heading after him. I'll organize a team to hunt him down in the meantime. Don't go into the patrols yet. Wait until after the Exams. Danzo is scheduled to meet with the Fire Daimyo afterward. His guard should be with him, and we'll have some time to get loyal Anbu agents to get to the records without raising suspicion." Tsunade said calmly.
Tami hummed and Genma nodded.
"Sounds like we have a plan." He said.
With that, they were dismissed.
Tami knew returning home and waiting would probably be the hardest part of her day. She already knew she missed them all; her Darling, Naruto, Sasuke and.. and Uncle. She didn't want to focus on the loss and emptiness. If it got bad, she might start to wonder about her Uncle. How he was. If he was okay. If he was still alive. She flinched. Maybe, maybe she should do something instead.
Tami veered off her path and left to find Kurenai. Finding her on her own at the grocery store, it had been a simple task to convince the woman to go to the bathhouse.
"How are you?" Kurenai asked gently.
"Ah, as well as could be expected." Tami said quietly.
"Are you missing them?"
More than I realized.
"It's rather quiet with Naruto gone. Sasuke…. Well, he made his choice. And… well - he'll be back soon enough."
Kurenai nodded, "it'll be okay."
"What of you? Your students?"
"Shino's really learning to be more open with his teammates. Kiba is slowly learning to temper himself and Hinata is trying to speak up. She doesn't have much confidence." Kurenai listed off, leaning against the tub.
"Mm - any plans to help her break out of her shell?"
"I was hoping you would help."
Tami turned her head, her jaw falling open, "me? I don't think that would be quite fair to her."
"In fact, I think I heard some of the rookie nine want to talk with you."
Tami stared at her in shock. "why on earth would they ever?"
"Sakura-chan saw your battle with Kabuto. You impressed her."
"I nearly got myself killed."
"You handled it well, considering."
"Again. I nearly died."
Kurenai sighed, shaking her head. "Don't be surprised if they ask you to teach them what you know. If they could deconstruct an enemy as half as good as you-"
"I can't even do that in a real fight, I'm far too busy trying to stay alive. The exams were a show."
Kurenai fell quiet for a moment, sinking deeper into the water.
"I think you're afraid of what you really could do." She said softly.
"Maybe." Tami murmured.
"So, you said you remembered some things. What - what were they?"
"Kurenai, I-" She began but stopped. "I… I think that's a conversation for later. Would it be an imposition to maybe stay over?"
"That serious?"
Tami shot her a look and Kurenai relented. The two left after and headed to the Jonin's home.
"I never - I didn't lose my memory." Tami said as soon as they were inside. "It was a cover story. I never did forget."
Kurenai glanced away and hummed. She sat on her couch and took the moment to process it.
"So you know where you're from?"
"I do."
"Are you from an enemy county?"
"I… no. No, no I'm not."
"You told me it wouldn't work out if you wanted to visit your homeland. It's not because it's an enemy, then why?" Kurenai asked carefully.
"Different universe or dimension or some such. I honestly no longer care. I've chosen to stay." Tami answered quickly, preparing herself for the fallout she assumed would happen.
"Oh. That makes sense." Kurenai got up and went to her kitchen, "would you like some water? Tea? I think I have orange juice."
Tami squinted at her, following her friend into the other room. "I lied to you. For years. About who I was and my past."
"You did. Water?" She continued.
"Why aren't you angry? Kakashi did the same thing and I just -why?"
"You lied because you were ordered to. For our and your safety. Besides, you were really bad at it, if that helps." Kurenai said, a grin splitting her face. "Oh, just glimpses. Nothing more than glimpses and inclinations!"
The Jonin giggled and poured a glass of water for the gobsmacked woman.
"You knew."
"I'm sure Kakashi-kun guessed too. Asuma knows as well. He said his father had been strange when you showed up." She explained.
"Why can't one of you be angry with me? Kakashi acted like it was just another Tuesday!" Tami complained, taking the water and sitting down on the couch.
"It's rare, but there is lore about other universes, or worlds. It's really not a big deal." Kurenai continued, and sat beside her. "Do you want us to be angry with you."
"Maybe. He wasn't even angry when I told him I found out about his past." She huffed, "and neither of you were angry with me keeping this from you. Lying all this time!"
"Any of us would have told you about what we knew about him. It's not really a secret. And, there's secrets we have to keep all the time. It's not that bad." Kurenai paused, and then asked again, "do you want me to be angry with you?"
"I suppose."
"Tami-chan, what you did was horrible and you should never lie to us again!" The Jonin announced with amusement in her tone. "Better?"
Despite herself, Tami laughed. It was times like these she really enjoyed Kurenai and their friendship.
It hadn't even been a full 24 hours when a team of young girls stopped her on her day off of work and training.
"Tami-san, if you could… teach us what you do?" Sakura said meekly.
Ino glanced away nervously, not even meeting her gaze. Tenten was among them, and the ever shy Hinata refused to meet her gaze.
"Teach you to do what, exactly?" Tami asked.
"I told you she wouldn't." Ino muttered.
That hit the blonde ion a way she didn't expect. She didn't hate Ino; but with the young girl's reaction, maybe she thought she did?
Sakura scowled and jutted out her chin. "Teach us to see what lies beneath like you. How did you keep Kabuto away for so long?"
Tami licked her bottom lip. She had been planning on training herself, but maybe… well.
"Come on, then. We'll start easy. By the by, this is more of an art, than a science. Get comfortable with being wrong."
The only ninja she knew who was the easiest to read was Gai himself. He was an excellent place to start. He was, obviously, easy to read and straight forward.
The man was eager to help, and Tami began to quickly point out how to easily tell what kind of combatant Gai was. From the confidence in his stance, to the way he moved. Gai was all too pleased to hear Tami's evaluation - as well as the warning to not underestimate an opponent who seems clueless.
As the Kunoichi left for the day, Tami stayed back with Gai.
"Do tell, how has the challenge been going on your end?" Tami inquired.
"He won't crack! Not even a chuckle! I even showed him my best weights!" Gai complained.
Her mouth fell open for a second. Weights? What?
What was he trying to do?
"They do say the unexpected does work well in comedy." She said lightly.
"He's hiding it, I'm sure." Gai continued, glancing to her from the corner of his eye, "and you?"
"Best I've gotten is a giggle-"
"Whaa-?"
Tami blushed, "it doesn't count! I did nothing but when we're affectionate he's happy. It's nothing big, though. No rolling on the floor, laughing."
"That is a problem. You'll have to try harder." Gai said flatly.
"Try… harder….?"
"I can try more things, more unexpected ways to make Kakashi laugh. You continue to be affectionate! One of us will catch him off guard and win!" He announced.
Tami stared at him blankly.
"Are you suggesting I seduce him to make him laugh?"
"It's okay, Tami-chan! You don't need to tell me!" Tears were streaming down Gai's face as he continued on, "the passion of your firey youth burns for each other! Use it to your advantage! I won't stop though! I will press on! To win!"
Tami tried to work her mouth; what?
What did Gai think she was trying to do?
"I…. Umm." She turned bright red. What did he tell her?!
The Green Beast gave her his most winning smile, patted her on the shoulder and left soon after…. Running on his hands.
Tami still stood there, gobsmacked.
'Gai told me to do what?'
X
Maya found that very few people in the village weren't ninja. After her morning lessons with Ebisu, she spent her time walking around the village and completing her task for the day.
Stepping into the grocery store, she managed to be able to understand almost everything there now. She went to pick up some goods. While perusing the aisles, a girl her age was stocking the shelves.
"Oh, how are you?" Maya asked.
Confusion flickered on the girl's face, "okay, I guess. Kinda bored."
"Oh! Yeah, I get that. It's rough." She agreed.
The girl gave a small smile before moving on.
"Have a good day!" Maya called before the girl left. She waved her hand and went on her way.
'Maybe I can make friends here too.'
Leaving the aisle she continued on her way, picking up whatever else she needed.
Checking out was summer, although the cashier wasn't really interested in chatting.
Leaving, she went to the park to sit and snack on the chips she had bought.
Who could she befriend?
Ninja? Civilian?
'Would any of the ninja even have anything in common with me?' She wondered. It might be like befriending another Oliver. He was nice sometimes, but he really didn't understand her. Surely the ninja wouldn't either.
And, most of the people here were tied to a plot. What if she accidentally changed the plot? She'd never forgive herself! More people dying…. Or if Zetsu's plan succeeded? She shuddered.
Maya wasn't sure where she landed on this world just being an anime show or manga. She really jumped the gun on calling them characters. All of them had their own lives. Kakashi had more life to him than she saw in the manga or anime. He decided things on his own, it seemed. If she squinted, she could see the classic Kakashi from the manga. But now, he was different. Each character breathed, had their own lives, their own goals. In fact-.
Maya held her breath as she saw a blonde girl ave a pink haired girl walk out with a plump young boy.
"Shikamaru-kun won't tell me anything." Ino complained, "the exam is nearly here and he won't say a word! I know he helped set it up."
"Yeah, I bet there's rules against it." Sakura sighed.
"Geeze! Ever since he became a Chunin he's been acting differently! He wouldn't have cared before." Ino sighed.
"Yeah." Choji agreed as he carried on eating his chips, "but I like it."
Ino huffed and crossed her arms before they noticed Maya staring.
Maya turned red and turned to stare at her knees.
"Hey! You got a problem?!" Ino and Sakura snapped at the same time.
Maya winced, "yes, I mean no- I'm sorry! I didn't really mean to."
"Stop scaring her." Choji said. He stepped over to Maya, "are you new?"
"I think she came with Tsunade-sama and that perv." Sakura murmured.
"I think you're right." Ino added.
"Jiraiya isn't that bad." Maya said under her breath. Well, maybe sometimes. "But, yeah. I'm new. My name is.. umm, Maya."
'I don't think my last name will help here.'
"I'm Choji. That's Sakura and Ino." He said in a friendly tone. Maya nodded politely.
"It's nice to meet you." She said brightly.
Speaking of goals, did that mean -? Did that mean that Ino and Sakura would change? Their original story had been a let down for her. Sakura didn't become the fierce kunoichi she had hoped for. Ino didn't either. Most of the girls didn't, let alone a handful of other Shinobi the series had. Would they have goals beyond what they wanted for Sasuke and Naruto?
"Come on. Let's go." Ino said, "we still need to prepare."
"Don't tell me what to do, Ino-pig!" Sakura raged as the two left.
Maya tried not to giggle and Choji sighed.
"It's days like these I miss Shikamaru." He said.
"Good luck. On the exams." Maya told him.
He grinned at her before following his makeshift team.
Maya watched the trio go. For the first time, she realized how alone she really was in Konoha. Going home, she went about cooking dinner. Being sure Tenzo was still outside guarding her, she set aside a plate for him in the window sill.
"I mean, I know you gotta do shadowy ninja guard business, but if you're hungry…" she said out to the night air. He didn't answer her, but the crickets in the dark did.
Would Tenzo want to be her friend? Would anyone else?
'I'm sure someone will.' she decided. Even if it wasn't a cool Shinobi, or Itachi or Kisame.
X
The day had come to question the Anbu when Tami wasn't quite ready for it. She had hoped Kakashi would give her a day's notice to mentally prepare but - when Inoichi stepped in to let her know he was there with a crew of Anbu, her heart sank.
'Grand.' She thought as she followed the blond back to the Interrogation rooms. Kakashi stood out from the crowd in her eyes. Frustration and affection for him dueled in her soul; he offered no apology or explanation.
'I do suppose he's concerned I may change my mind.' Tami thought.
Yugao was the next familiar face she noticed. Her cool gaze flashed before she turned her head away. Another Anbu stood off to Kakashi's side, he wore a happuri sort of head covering, and wouldn't meet her gaze. The last man she saw there was one with flat black hair that hung around his face.
"I told you all." That last Anbu said. "Itachi was trouble from the start."
"Ko, stop." Kakashi said, glancing at the man.
"You're not the captain anymore."
"As captain, stop." Yugao said, "it doesn't matter any more. Whatever we can help with, we will."
Ko sighed and fell quiet although a scowl spread across his lips.
"Are we all aware of why we're here?" Tami asked.
"Yeah. To talk about Itachi. For the record, I knew he was trouble and no one listened to me. I was told to mind my rank." Ko spoke up again.
Kakashi sighed.
"It's been noted." Tami said.
"The Hokage wants everyone interviewed as you would have known Uchiha Itachi best. We're going after him soon, and the Hokage wants him to be brought in for what he did to his Clan." Inoichi clarified. "Who wants to be first?"
Without even a second of hesitation, Kakashi walked into the Interrogation room.
Tami's gut twisted into an uncomfortable mess and weakly followed after Inoichi.
Inoichi sat down beside her, setting down a recorder between them, "I'm here to oversee. Tami-chan here is going to lead the questioning."
She tried not to wince, forcing herself to not fiddle with her own fingers under the table. How dare Kakashi sit there without a care! He sat there like he was at the beach!
She couldn't speak freely to him, and she couldn't comfort him if he….
'Control yourself, Walker. He chose this. Better go on. Rip it off like a bandaid. Best get on with it.' She thought, pursing her lips at the thought.
Without any more pomp, Tami forced her emotions to the wayside. This was nothing but a show, a play; it had to go on and she had a part to enact. Even if her gut still twisted. Without saying a word, she turned on the recorder.
"This is Walker Tami and Yamanaka Inoichi investigating the Massacre of the Uchiha clan. We are interviewing the Anbu on scene the morning after the massacre. If you could state your name and rank for the record?"
"Hatake Kakashi, Jounin, and captain of team Ro."
"Current or past?"
"Past. The Hokage had me step down after the massacre."
"I see. And do you know why?"
"He didn't say."
"Was it due to performance?"
A flicker of confusion appeared on Kakashi's brow.
He asked for this, Tami reminded herself.
"No. I had been in the Anbu for almost six years by that time. I surpassed my assigned goals in my evaluations." He said.
"Ah. And what was your impression of Uchiha Itachi?"
"He was a kid." He answered simply.
"Clarify, please." Tami said swiftly.
Kakashi paused for a second, studying her before plowing on. "He was excited to go home and see his brother every day. He talked about his mother's cooking from time to time. When he came to us, he was almost fresh out of the academy."
"Ah. And how did his inclusion to the team work?" Tami asked pointedly. Seeing how Ko acted, she could guess.
"There were members of my team that thought it was a bad idea." He admitted.
"Mm. And why is that?"
"We were keeping an eye on the Uchiha. Some feared he was a spy."
"Why did the Uchiha need to be watched?"
"They were planning to overthrow the Village." Kakashi said flatly, "We thought Itachi was a double spy for us. He kept a close eye on the Uchiha, and being Fugaku's son we knew he'd never kill his own son over it."
Oh, how true that statement was.
"So, tell me about the day before the Massacre. What had Itachi been like that day?"
"Stressed. His cousin had died a few days ago. A suicide letter had been found but many of his own clansmen thought he killed him. I tried speaking to him but he didn't want to talk. We just had a team member disappear, Aburame Yoji, who we later found dead. We suspected Itachi had done it."
"Walk me through the last time you saw him until you saw the massacre. Every step."
Kakashi paused for a moment. Tami saw he was having trouble, and then-.
"I met with the Hokage to tell him about my experience earlier that day. Gai and I went to the Uchiha district to scope out the area. The clan didn't want us there. I tried to speak with Itachi to see if anything was going on, but he wouldn't talk. He didn't seem to register anything we were saying. I figured the death of Shisui was getting to him. I promised to meet up with him later and met with the Hokage and the Elders. The Third assigned Team Ro to accompany him to meet with the clan head, Uchiha Fugaku, to avoid a coup. I went to inform my team, but Itachi was gone. Believing he'd be there the next morning, I figured I'd wait. I spent the rest of my day visiting the Memorial Stone and graves before getting some rest. Early the next morning I collected my team and we went with the Hokage to the Uchiha compound. The doors were still closed and upon entering we found the dead. Uchiha Itachi was gone and the only survivor was Sasuke."
Kakashi rattled the events off like a boring recipe. Tami didn't even attempt to delve further to read him. Although he did agree she could read him wherever, it felt like the wrong place and time.
From there Tami questioned further, trying to piece apart what Kakashi saw that day, seeing if it worked with their current theories (it did). From his details, she found his memories backed up the evidence she found. The rest of her day was spent picking apart the rest of the team members. Ko was a charming fellow who was frustrated with Kakashi being soft on Itachi, "he never should have let Itachi come on our team."
If Tami had the time, she would have given him a taking to. However, his anger with Itachi helped her get a better read on who the Uchiha was before the Massacre. Pre-massacre Itachi wasn't a clan killer. He was a follower. He was someone who didn't question those above him and just did was he was told. In some ways, she saw the same attributes in Sasuke. How things needed to be just so, and how if there was an expectation he had to meet and beat it. Itachi, being the first born, had to have had it in spades. Torn between two conflicting loyalties and then throwing Danzo into the mix - Itachi fell like a domino piece.
After the interviews, Tami and the group of Anbu (present and past) stood outside of the T&I building.
Tenzo, the Anbu she felt was vaguely familiar, sighed. "I have to go. Duty calls."
"Yeah, babysitting duty sucks." Ko agreed as the man left.
Was he? Is he the man guarding Maya?
Tami glanced at Kakashi who only gave her an eye smile.
"If you have any other questions, you can ask us." Yugao said.
"Yeah. I wish we got him years ago." Ko sighed.
"Mmmm, thank you. I think for now we've more than enough." Tami said, seeing a man coming up to them.
"Hey! There you are. I've been looking for you." The man wrapped an arm around Yugao, who blushed softly and pushed against him.
"Not in the public." She muttered at him.
"Okay, Yu-chan." He said with a grin and pulled her in to peck her forehead.
Tami glanced away, feeling uncomfortable suddenly. Perhaps she wasn't used to the displays of affection anymore? Maybe.
"Oh, hello Hayate-kun." Kakashi said
"Kakashi-kun. What are you doing here?" Hayate replied.
"Hey."
"We just talked about some stuff with Itachi." Ko added.
"Yeah? That sucks. Hey, why don't we go down to the karaoke bar? Have some fun?" Hayate said.
"As long as you don't sing." Yugao said playfully. Hayate groaned, "fine, fine. I won't."
Tami, wanting that bit of reprieve, went with. She had been on her way when Hayate glanced back and his eyebrows raised.
"Kakashi-kun? You wanted to come too?" He asked, his jaw nearly falling to the floor.
"Sounds like fun." Kakashi said brightly, a fake smile on his face. Tami shot him a look. Rarely had he ever wanted to do anything with others. Why now? Unless…. Ah. Maybe it was to spend time with her?
"Seriously." Ko muttered.
Yugao darted a look between Kakashi and Tami before turning back. "He may just want to come with."
"He never does."
"Sometimes I do." Kakashi corrected.
"Rather odd, really." Tami said playfully.
Her Darling rolled his eyes, and muttered maa before walking on with the group.
When the group arrived, both Junpei and Eiji were already there. Seeing them all, Junpei gasped and ran to them.
"You're here! That's great! Ko-kun, let's go sing!" He said excitedly before dragging the Anbu away. Eiji remained, he smiled but it was empty.
"Wow, I didn't expect to see Hatake Kakashi here. Or the old Ro Team. What are you all doing today?" He asked.
"Investigating Itachi, apparently. Yugao said they were looking at hunting the punk down." Hayate said as the group sat.
"Seriously?" Eiji asked, glancing at the others.
"I'd rather not talk about it any more than necessary." Tami said as they settled in a large booth. There were ninja everywhere. Even if the bar was crowded, she didn't need anyone overhearing their conservation.
"Huh… crazy. After this many years." Eiji said.
"I did hear he came back briefly." Yugao said, her gaze flickering to Kakashi. Eiji followed her line of sight and frowned the moment his eyes laid on Kakashi. Eiji nearly immediately turned his head away.
As the night wore on and the group had fun and laughed - Tami just enjoyed the atmosphere. Well, until.
"Hey, Bun-chan! Ibiki-san said you sing and dance. Is that true?" Junpei asked her out of the blue. Kakashi turned to Tami, questions in his gaze.
Bun-chan? He seemed to ask.
Tami tried not to wince; why did Ibiki tell anyone that? Gaining the attention from the others, she did her best not to squirm.
"It's nothing." She said.
"You can come sing with me!" Junpei said brightly.
"I think not." She resisted. She'd rather not kill the mood.
"But-" Junpei quickly was cut off by Eiji.
"Cut it out, Junpei."
"When did Ibiki-san say- oh. I remember. You were the trainee we were sent after to throw rotten tomatoes at."
Hayate tried to hide his laugh with a cough. Kakashi didn't laugh (unfortunately, she could have won the contest), but one silver eyebrow raised.
"Tomatoes?" He asked, amusement dancing in his tone.
"Don't ask." Tami muttered, her head in her hands.
"He said you were a performer. Was this while working for Jiraiya?" Yugao said.
"Mm. Best to use the skills you have." Tami agreed.
"Which is why you use that scream, right?"
Tami sighed and nodded. "He saw I could tap dance, and thought it reasonable I could dodge things."
"What's that?" Junpei asked, his eyes wide and childlike.
That one was a chaotic neutral if she ever saw it.
Turning to see all the curious faces around, Tami let out a long drawn out sigh and stood up.
"Like this." She showed them a few steps.
"Never seen that before." Hayate murmured.
"I really don't see why he related one to the other." Yugao said.
"Now sing." Junpei said, his voice full of awe.
Tami shot him a look and Eiji thumped him on the head. Junpei whined.
"Why not, Bun-chan?" Kakashi added in dryly. He was teasing her again.
"I just feel like it's not fitting-"
"Please! Even the boring Copycat wants to hear!" Junpei carried on while evading Eiji.
No, he just enjoys teasing me. She thought.
"Fine. Fine, fine, fine."
After someone (Junpei) demanded to sing with her, she wad dragged up to the stage. For all her concern with how the Anbu would handle her - they took it in stride. Well.
"You were okay, but a little pitchy." Junpei said knowingly after. She heard a snort and a laugh from those around her.
'Brave words for a man who was off key.' Tami thought.
As the night wore on, and the group dwindled to herself, Eiji, Junpei and Kakashi. She was about to leave when Eiji started asking questions about her previous employment.
"You were a performer? What were your favorite performances?" He asked politely.
"A handful. My Fair Lady, Les Miserables, Hamlet, The Phantom of the Opera, Fiddler on the Roof…. And The Hunchback of Notre Dame."
"A hunchback?"
"It's a tale about a judge who takes it upon himself to deal with what he deems to be evil, all the while exacting horrible evils himself. He raises a hunchback child, who is treated as a monster but it's kind. The question posed at the beginning is; what makes a monster?"
"Huh…" Junpei hummed, thinking about it.
"That sounds like a good story." Kakashi added.
"That isn't right. He's a judge for a reason. Maybe he knew better." Eiji scoffed.
"He lusted after what he called evil, and when he couldn't get her threatened to burn the city down." She replied.
Eiji didn't respond but scowled and turned his head. Kakashi glanced between she and the others.
"Well, I'm gonna go." He said, sending her a meaningfully look. He walked off, and Tami took a minute or two before walking away.
"Good night, Bun-chan!" Junpei called after her, as Eiji chastised him.
While walking home, Tami took her time until-. Until her Darling appeared beside her and smiled at her cheekily behind his mask.
"Bun-chan?" He teased.
"He's an odd one." Tami said lightly. He laughed lightly under his breath.
If only he'd actually, really laugh.
The two took the long way, not really talking but enjoying the other's company. It was an unspoken decision on both of them to walk slowly. He saw her to her door but didn't go further. With a quick caress to her cheek, a warm smile and a kiss to her forehead the two parted for the night.
Stepping into her apartment, she hummed to herself as she went to get ready for bed. Except, something in the very air just felt wrong. Cold, even.
"I never thought you'd get cozy with Hatake." A voice said. Tami spun to see Owl walking out from her kitchen.
"What concern is it of yours? You've not written, nor visited." She said. What was he doing in her apartment? It wasn't like him at all.
"You're getting into dangerous waters, Tami." He said, as if she said nothing. "Why are you investigating the Massacre?"
Warning bells rang to life in her mind. Why did he care? Why did he know? Her questions about Owl came back to her mind, as well as her other worries. Did Danzo know now too?
"Because I want Itachi to pay. He's the reason… he's the reason Sasuke left."
"It's not worth your life." He stated shrewdly.
She stopped breathing for just a moment. Did he just-?
"Are you threatening me?" She asked lightly.
He remained quiet for a few seconds too long before finally answering, "no. But going after Itachi isn't safe. You only recently recovered from your last encounter with a stronger Shinobi. Itachi would kill you."
Tami turned her head away, forcing herself to keep calm and not react rashly. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She could practically hear her heartbeat thumping in her ears.
"You mean like how you tried to kill Sasuke?"
Her and her big mouth.
Silence fell. Her words hung in the air like a thick fog. He didn't shift, or even seem to breathe before he answered after another moment more.
"He was leaving the village. You tried and the jinchuuriki tried to return him to the village. It's my job."
"You tried to kill a twelve year old boy. A child. Because he left the village, manipulated by a psycho."
"I was doing my job." He said again.
"Right then." Tami's tone went ice cold.
"Are you done investigating?"
"Yes." She lied, turning to him. "Our evidence showed Itachi did it. Alone. He snapped one day and killed his clan. I have proof."
The tension in Owls' frame eased and he stepped back, "I see."
"If that's all, I need my rest."
Owl backed away and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
How did Owl know? Had he overheard? Had he saw her investigating?
For the first time since she arrived, her home no longer felt safe. Danzo could waltz right in, uninvited just as Owl had done. He came in like it was nothing.
It was nothing!
She never did place traps or seals on her doors. She didn't even learn how to. Having taken the quickest course to her goal, she didn't learn anything she didn't need. Seals and traps seemed unnecessary.
On top of all of it, why did Owl care?
It took everything in Tami not to run out of the house immediately.
She locked up as best she could and left. It didn't take long before she broke out into a full out sprint. With barely a thought in her mind she went to Kakashi. He was still on his way home, walking slowly with his hands in his pockets.
His gaze warmed and sparkled when he saw her coming. When he noticed her panic, his gaze darted to the darkness around them.
"What's wrong?'
"Owl showed up, asking questions about our investigation. I think it's time I learned how to set up traps and seals on my doors, don't you?" She said lightly. She tried to settle her heart and breathing but couldn't.
Immediately her lackadaisical boyfriend shifted into that focused dire wolf like persona she remembered from missions. He grabbed her hand and took off to her apartment at a quick pace.
He showed her a handful of seals and traps over each of her entry points.
"None of these are unstoppable, but you'll know if they break and if someone's inside." He assured her.
"And you'll-? You'll set some up too, ah?"
He paused in his demonstration, turning back to her.
"I'd just - I'd rather you know as well. I'd feel safer." She said softly.
A smile broke through and he sighed, "maa, of course I will."
He took a moment, silently finishing up his work. "Owl might be employed by Danzo. He might have been a ROOT member." He said.
"Root?"
"It was a hidden part of the Anbu. Danzo used them to get specific missions done."
Tami stared at him, her mouth fell open. "You're kidding. Did Hiruzen know?"
"He found out, yes."
"And he did nothing? That alone proves he was trying to undermine the Hokage."
Kakashi fell quiet, glancing away, "it's not our place to question the decision."
"He allowed Danzo a place. He let him continue whatever he wanted."
"They were friends as children."
"Darling, tell me - if the situation were reversed, and it was between you and Obito, would you have stopped him?"
"Obito would never."
"Right. Then what if it were you in Danzo's place? Would Obito have stopped you?"
Kakashi turned his head away. "There might be things that happened that we don't know about."
"Maybe. But from what we're seeing how, Hiruzen just let Danzo waltz all over him and the village."
He sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
"He did what he thought was best. It was the same compassion that kept you alive when you came."
True. She hadn't quite thought of it that way.
"You're right. But I also didn't spent my time plotting how to turn the Village upside down."
"I do remember someone saying they had ten steps to world domination." He lightly teased.
"That was a joke." She huffed playfully. He sent her a smile.
Kakashi hummed, pulling her over to him. "Would you like me to stay?"
"Please. For a time, at least." She agreed.
He pulled her to the couch. The two curled up, but Tami's mind couldn't leave the thought that Owl might be working for Danzo. He couldn't be, could he?
Was that why Owl tried to kill Sasuke? Was it for his job as Anbu? Or too retrieve more Uchiha eyes for Danzo?
That thought made her sick to her stomach. Maybe Sasuke was safer outside of the village. But was he safe when Orochimaru? Was he okay? Her Uncle, was he still okay? It had been some time since she received the letter.
He had to be okay. He had to be.
"Tami-chan… would you like to be distracted?"
"Distract me?"
" Mmmm. I can hear the gears turning." He said sagely. Tami laughed.
"Oh? Feel free to distract me, ah?" She teased. Maybe she could get him to laugh. Maybe not in the way Gai wanted her to, but she could come up with something.
"I realized while walking home I don't really know your past." He said.
That wasn't what she was expecting.
'This is his idea of a distraction?'
He still needed to work on that tact and timing it seemed.
"No, I told you." She said. She had told him briefly what it was. He knew the important bits. What did it matter? Why did he want to talk about that tonight?
"Tami-chan, you told me you had the same as the book. I want to hear it from you."
"I… I mean, it's really not much." Tami added. While he didn't push it further, she could see on his face he really wanted to know. She sighed before agreeing. He deserved to know. He should know. Deserved it. Had it not been the day she had she wouldn't have thought much about it. The fact she hasn't told him much of anything was… was wrong. She snuggled in closer. "What… what did you want to know?"
It took him a moment to speak up further.
"What was your mother like?" He asked, resting his chin on her head.
"She….. she, ah, she was okay. She was quiet, rather meek. I thought she was beautiful. There was something about her, like a glistening crystal. I think that's why my father liked her."
"Mm… and the nanny?"
"She…. I thought she was my mother at first." Tami admitted, "mum was never around and I only saw her on holidays and on the tv. My nanny let me watch any time mum had a big performance."
"Yeah? Did she sing like you?"
"Better. Far better. Mum had a wider range then I, more control. She was… she was good. She doesn't sing anymore. Father snuffed that out."
"Why?"
"Made him look bad. He only allows it if it benefits him. People said that he used her for money, for prestige. He did, but…. He never did like hearing the truth."
"Did he really not want you?" He asked.
Having wondered the same for years, she didn't know how to quite answer.
"I…. I guess? I don't know. When I moved into the main house, he expected so much. No matter what I did, I wasn't good enough. No matter what I did it was wrong. Either it wasn't good enough or it wasn't good. I got so angry when he'd ignore me, when I'd make a mistake, I just…. I guess I started acting out. Started making trouble. When he introduced me to his slimy associates and they… well, let's say I wasn't invited back often."
Kakashi fell quiet though his grip tightened on her.
"My nanny was lovely, though." Tami murmured.
"Yeah?"
"We used to dance in the kitchen. Make biscuits. I don't remember much but I try… tried to see her wherever I was nearby."
"Do you miss her?"
"Yeah."
He sighed deeply, holding her close.
"What caused your father to kick you out?"
"Well…." Tami took a second to collect herself. She hadn't revisited those memories much. They weren't pleasant and she often felt like she wasn't in control after.
"I was acting out. Outrageously. Father would set up personal instructors, and me, tired of not being good enough, went out of my way to do the exact opposite of what he wanted. I wanted attention, I suppose. It was better than being ignored. He finally got tired and… after we were yelling at each other, he told me to leave. I was so angry I just left and found my nan. I was too young to really realize what he had done, too angry to… to do anything more than rage. My nan called my Uncle and I was sent overseas to him. The entire time I thought I'd go home soon and -and father didn't want me. When I learned to temper myself he did have me come for parties and things; bribed me with funds to be the good little girl and play the part."
"And your mother?"
"We never did speak much. She tried to be a mother but…"
"But she wasn't."
"No. No she wasn't." Tami agreed.
He placed his hand on the back of her head, stroking her hair.
It was then Tami realized a tear escaped and ran down her face without her knowing. She hid her face in his shoulder.
When she had the moment to collect herself, looked him right in the eye, "what of yours?"
"My mother?" Kakashi stared back, surprise evident in his brow.
"Mmhmm, you're here somehow. I didn't see a thing about your mother."
He sighed, turning to study the ceiling.
"I don't remember her. She died when I was a baby." He said.
"That makes so much sense." Tami said.
"Why?"
"Darling, you act touch starved."
"Eh?"
"Your mother is usually the one who you get affection from, who dotes. You…. Even when we barely got along, you didn't really stop me from touching you. Or anyone from, for that matter."
He sighed, mulling it over before replying. "Maa. I guess you're trying to make up for it."
Tami grinned, "mmmm, you found out my diabolical plot. Flirt the ferocious and terrifying Hatake Kakashi. "
"I'm glad you finally admit it." He said.
She laughed, and she could have sworn he did too. Maybe he wasn't that bad at distracting her as she thought.
"Who were your friends again?" He asked once they both calmed.
"Mm.. Robert was the childhood friend I tried to date. His family was well off, and our fathers were friends. Well… business friends."
Kakashi huffed, his mood turning. "He was an idiot."
"He is. But he's a good sort, even if. He was a fantastic fighter. I think you would have liked him."
He scoffed at her, "and the other? The lady? Rue? Was that her real name?"
"Luanna. She was a part time waitress, part time glass blower. Met her because Uncle always went to his favorite restaurant where she worked. She was lovely."
Kakashi hummed, stroking the back of her head.
"Thank you."
"Darling, I should have told you this a long time ago. You really don't need to say that."
"Yeah." He agreed blandly. Tami, knowing he was half joking and half serious, pinched his side. Kakashi squirmed.
"I'm sorry… for all the times I didn't tell you." She murmured.
"I understand." He said softly.
Burrowing deeper into his arms, she fell asleep after a time. The next morning she found herself in her bed. She'd have to do something for her Darling.
X
Oliver had thought finding a hidden ninja village would have been hard. After all, it made sense. It was a hidden village. He expected it to be shrouded behind a waterfall. Maybe even in a dense forest in the middle of nowhere.
To say it was anticlimactic that all he had to do was follow a few signs and join a group of farmers intent to sell their crops in the village had been disappointing.
"The exams are soon. You gonna try to see the tournament?" One farmer, Akio, said.
"The tickets are insane. I can't afford that." The other, Kei muttered.
Oliver kept his head down, just listening. From what he gathered, children and teens fought against each other to become ninja. The very idea was unsettling.
"I heard Suna is a part of this one. Konoha is working with them again." Kei continued some time after.
"I heard that too. Crazy. I wouldn't trust either of them. Konoha might be trying to lure them in - get them back for what they did." Akio agreed.
As the group slowly came up to Konoha, Oliver groaned in disgust. There, surrounded by a wall, stood Konoha: the village hidden in the open.
'Hidden village my ass.' Oliver thought, eyeing the city in disgust.
Tami was there. Hopefully still there. He hadn't seen her in a few months. He had been scared she was dead, before he arrived in this world. He'd do whatever it took to get her and Maya back home safe. It was up to him. He hoped his niece hadn't done anything stupid in the time he was away. She was a smart girl, but her heart bled too easily. She made foolish decisions.
'She's fine. She's not stupid.'
Soon everything would be back to normal.
Oliver and the group of farmers fell into line outside the gate. He noticed others with those ninjas headbands around him. Some had jagged lines in theirs, others had dotted - he even saw a group with strange oval like geometric patterns? Oliver ignored it. It was normal for soldiers to have identifying marks. He found it interesting that they chose reflective surfaces, though.
As the groups were being processed, Oliver tried to disappear into the crowd of farmers. He didn't have papers, he had nothing with him to identify him. He had hoped with all the hustle and bustle they'd overlook him.
However, for a village hidden in the open they had keen eyesight.
"Hey! You! Where's your papers?" One guard asked.
Oliver made a show of going through his clothes. "I had em earlier." He muttered, going through his pockets once, twice.
"You can't come in without them." The guard said.
"Well, I'm just some farm hand. Came to help, that's all." Oliver tried, continuing to look for the papers that weren't there.
"But you're old."
"Work is work."
From the corner of his eye, he could see the guard glancing between him and the group of farmers he came with.
"Well, as long-"
"Wait, doesn't he look familiar to you?" The other guard spoke up.
Familiar? How would he be familiar?
"An agent with the T&I wanted us to look out for someone like him." The other stated.
The one that was about to let Oliver off the hook squinted at him.
"I think you're right."
Oliver couldn't guess what T&I stood for. But he could tell by the shift in stances between the men and the firm lines of their mouths - he was in trouble.
In his youth he would have fought and ran. In his old age, he understood something different. He needed to get into Konoha anyway. Fighting his urge to escape, he stepped up.
"Well, son - why don't you bring me to the T&I. I came all the way here, anyways." Oliver said.
Both guards darted a look at the other.
That was how Oliver was taken into the city, without a fight and without shackles. He strode in with two Konoha ninja at his sides. The village was pleasant and more developed than the others he had seen. They were better off than the other little villages he had been in. As the ninja walked him in, he got a good look at the building they were taking him. Had he realized what T&I stood for, he would have argued more.
Torture and Interrogation.
Cursing in his thoughts he reluctantly followed them in where he was taken to an interrogation room. It was standard. There was a two way mirror on the other end.
Oliver leaned back, staring at the ceiling.
'You've done it now, Walker. Out of one cell and into another.'
He hoped he made the right choice. When the door opened, he no longer wondered.
A scarred man with a grim smile walked right in.
"Well, well - so I hear you're a farmer." The man said.
Oliver grunted and leaned back in his chair, "Yeah? I hear this village is supposed to be hidden."
The man narrowed his eyes for just a moment and then barked a laugh and sat down. "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it?"
Oliver felt his blood go cold. This man knew his niece. It took everything in him to not react.
"So, Oliver, how'd you get here." He asked, jerking his chin at Oliver.
Instead of speaking, Oliver stayed quiet. Was his niece in danger? Why did this man know about his relation to her? How did he know his name? What did this man do to his niece?
The interrogator chuckled, "you know, this is usually where I threaten you but I don't think it's necessary. Not for you."
"Where's Tami." Oliver said.
"We'll get to that." The man said, "but first, how'd you get here? And who taught you our language? Your niece couldn't say two words."
Oliver sat there for a moment, wondering if he should say anything. His niece was in a ninja village; according to Sasuke she was fine. The urge to completely shut his interrogator down surged through him. Should he? Did they know about his niece? Him? Was this how she ended up in the village? Was she their captive? No; he doubted it. Sasuke told him she tried to follow after him to stop him when he left.
Then why was he there?
For now, I'll play their game. He decided. There wasn't any reason to fight, yet. But this was the village that produced Orochimaru. He'd have to tread carefully.
"There was a cute foreign exchange student I wanted to impress when I was a kid. Learned some. Later on I had a partner who spoke it and picked up more. Working my odd jobs, I picked up even more." Oliver said.
"And?"
"Yep."
The man grunted, shifting in his seat.
"Can you read, Walker-san?"
"I'm more than aware of what you do here." Oliver said flatly.
"You're not easily frightened are you?"
Oliver kept his silence, staring at the scarred man. A small grin overtook the man's face as he got up.
"As much fun as it'd be to put you in the Honesty Room, it's not really necessary." He went to the door and opened it carefully. "My name is Morino Ibiki. It's good to meet you Walker-san."
Almost immediately after Morino left, two others entered the room. A long blond haired man and a younger man with glasses perched on his nose. The young man's face fell as soon as he stepped in.
"My name is Yamanaka Inoichi. This is Mozuku. It's nice to meet you Walker Oliver." Inoichi said simply. Mozuku turned his head. Oliver could clearly see he was uncomfortable. Mozuku shifted every which way and his fingers didn't stay still.
Oliver didn't know what it meant for him, but he'd get to the bottom of it.
End chapter
An: here we are! So sorry I'm so late with this chapter. I hope with the 10k words it makes up for it. And things happened! I'm so excited for everything about to happen. And, I'm excited for Kakashi and Oliver to meet. I can't wait lol
So, just to let you all know - I got a new job! That's why it took me forever to finish this! I had been praying for it, and finally it came. Pre pandemic, I had just gotten into a career that I had been trying to get into for five years. When covid hit, I lost that job. I've been trying to get back into my field since and it was a struggle. Finally, at the end of April I got a job! Even better than what I lost! I am thrilled! So I had to share this with you all.
I hope you all are doing well and I hope you're excited for everything going on.