Blaze 13
"When people care for you and cry for you, they can straighten out your soul." - Langston Hughes
X
The day after Tenzo discovered his findings, he returned to the Anbu headquarters. Tsunade wanted his silence for now. He could handle that, even while he mourned the loss of a teammate. He did a few missions with Eiji. He was a competent Anbu agent, friend and healer when the situation called for it. He was minding his own business, mourning in the locker room. It had been a habit he picked up from Kakashi. After every rough mission, they'd sit there and chat quietly. It was then when he saw a figure from the corner of his eye. Shifting to look, he saw - he saw an Owl masked Anbu agent moving to the real Owl's old locker. It couldn't be Eiji. Tenzo just watched him, wondering what this faux Owl wanted. He stood, and turned his head. Why else would he be wearing a mask in the locker room? Few Anbu ever did. Before, he didn't question it. Now, he certainly did.
"Hey, Owl. Good to see you. Hope it's going well." Tenzo offered lightly. There was a chance it was Eiji, but it was slim.
"It's fine." fake Owl said. His voice was too husky, too low to be Eiji.
"I see…. Say, have you seen Eiji-kun lately? We have a mission soon." Tenzo asked, turning fully to the other man.
Not-Owl froze. He slowly turned to Tenzo, the energy in the room shifting from uncomfortable to taut.
"No I haven't." Not-Owl said slowly.
"Oh. Well, if you see him… let me know." Tenzo said carefully. He was trying to not draw attention. But it was probably too late.
"Certainly, Tenzo-senpai." Not-Owl said. Tenzo turned to leave, he could feel things were about to turn. Not-Owl was sure to attack.
Tenzo made his way out to the hallway, subtly preparing for the upcoming battle. He sensed the attack before it came. This is what he gets for going to work early. He shifted, blocking the punch heading at him. The Taijutsu battle shifted almost immediately to deadlier tactics. Fire shot out from Not-Owl, searing the air, and blurring his vision. Fighting in the dark was second nature by now. Tenzo turned to his jutsu. The wood shot up from below to entrap the imposter. Not-Owl wove through the branches. He sent a barrage of kunai at him. That split second, he realized he made a misstep. He had thought the kunai were meant to kill him. It was the jutsu Not-Owl used right after that was meant to take his life. A spiralling fire jutsu went right for him, caught between the surprise and tight space Tenzo went to put up a wooden shield from the baseboards in the wall. He didn't move fast enough, but-.
"Yaaah!" Called a familiar voice.
A blur shot between Tenzo and the attack. Jun Pei! The hall was getting cramped now. Between him, Jun Pei and Not-Owl.
"Owl! Why are you attacking Tenzo-senpai?!" Jun Pei cried out. Not-Owl cursed, and attacked once more. In a swirl of fire, both Tenzo and Jun Pei braced themselves- Not-Owl had vanished immediately after.
Jun Pei went to try to find the imposter, racing into the locker room again and then down the hall to the front entrance. Finally he returned. Tenzo groaned, the adrenaline still thrumming in his veins. It was only then, looking down, he noticed a deep gash and burn on his side.
"Oh, that's not good." Jun Pei commented.
"Thanks, Jun Pei." Tenzo grumbled. Every time he shifted, searing pain shot through him.
"You should get that looked at."
"I will."
"Probably like, now."
"Jun Pei….." Tenzo sighed.
It was off to the hospital with him - Jun Pei following close behind. The walk there felt painfully show. Any time he shifted wrong, the burns flared up and he seethed. Jun Pei just chatted along, ignorant of his pain.
Finally, they arrived at the hospital and were ushered into a room. He sat awkwardly on one of the beds, clutching his wounds.
"Hey, Tenzo-senpai - why'd that Owl guy attack you? I always thought he was pretty cool." Jun Pei commented.
"I can't say." Tenzo said.
A nurse, Reina, stepped in almost immediately after.
"What did you do?" She complained. She tutted quietly, investigating his burns with a frown.
"He upset another Anbu guy. Burned like kindling!" Jun Pei exclaimed. She laughed, and started to clean Tenzo's wound. He winced.
"You big baby. You're an Anbu agent!" Reina said humorously.
He sighed, grumbling under his breath. He worked his tail off and no one seemed to appreciate his efforts! He just helped uncover a massive security risk and - speaking of.
"Jun Pei, I need you to go to the Hokage and tell her what happened. Let her know that Owl may have an imposter running around." Tenzo ordered.
"But I wanted to see the nurses and hear the gossip." Jun Pei whined. A sharp and dark look from Tenzo sent the other man leaving soon after.
Tenzo sighed. Jun pei wouldn't have questioned him if he were Kakashi. The Anbu still respected him, Eiji had been among the few exceptions.
"Oh…." A small voice said, causing both Reina and Tenzo to look over.
Maya, the little woman he had been guarding, stood before him with a tray for breakfast in her grasp. Her big blue eyes watched him. She made him think of a doe - skittish and gentle.
Reina glanced between the two while Tenzo tried not to remember their last interaction.
She saw him as a cartoon character. The recognition in her eyes sealed the fact. She wasn't supposed to know what he looked like.
"I - I can come back later, if you-?" Maya tried.
"Oh, go ahead and put down his tray over there. He'll need it later, the big baby." Reina said, turning back to her work.
Tenzo tried not to watch the young woman inch over and quietly place the tray down. She shifted nervously.
"Do you two know each other?" Reina asked. Tenzo knew that look. The little Outcast Inuzuka could smell a secret and wanted to work it out!
They did know each other, but they weren't supposed to. Maya wasn't supposed to know him at all.
He was going to make up an excuse, like they passed each other at the market one time. Even he went to respond, Maya beat him to it.
"Oh no. We do not know each other. He, uhm - he looked familiar." She said, clearly lying. Her tone and body language oozed discomfort.
He felt his stomach sink. Again, he had to remind himself - he was a cartoon to her. What did it matter?
"I see." Reina shot Tenzo a cold look. He didn't do anything! Well, maybe he did come across a little strong.
"I, uhm, gotta go. Feel better, B-Tenzo-san." The small girl scurried from the room. Tenzo almost groaned - if they didn't know each other she wouldn't have known his name.
"What was that about?" The nurse asked.
"Nothing!"
"Nothing?! You know she's Jiraiya's daughter. What did you do?" Reina countered, pointing her finger at him. She heard about that? He thought no one was supposed to know the cover story!
"You know?"
"Of course I know. The gossip here never sleeps."
"Nothing happened. Hokage-sama asked me to guard her, she found out who I was and I asked her to not say." Tenzo explained defensively. That Inuzuka was going to get ideas in her head! It'd make trouble for him and everyone else.
"Uh-huh…. I see what's happening…." The Nurse went to bandage him up, and shot him a sly grin. "If you want, I can ask the Doctor to have you to stay the night. Have Maya-chan deliver your dinner. Maybe have her help me check your bandages."
Tenzo felt his face heat and he stuttered his denial.
"N-nothing is going on. It's fine. I have work I need to do!" He said, trying to let her know he wasn't the least bit interested in bothering Maya.
Reina laughed and pulled away to clean up the area. She shook her head, grinned and turned back to him.
"Okay, fine. But remember, if you want to come by and see our newest helper, I'm more than willing to assist." She teased as she went out the door.
Tenzo was pleased when the Inuzuka finally left. He let out a sigh. He didn't need anyone else to know about his secret. It was a silly crush. Nothing more, nothing less. Before leaving, he did overhear Reina speaking to Maya.
"Well, what was that about?" Reina asked. At first he didn't realize Maya was there. He just wanted to avoid Reina!
"Oh, you know.. nothing really."
Tenzo pressed himself against the wall. He knew he shouldn't listen in, but he couldn't stop himself. What was Maya's thoughts about him?
"Nothing? You were acting like a lost little lamb." Reina accused.
"I was not! I just - Tenzo-san is really nice and I don't want to make him uncomfortable." Maya said. His heart warmed a little at that. How sweet!
"You made him more than uncomfortable." Reina murmured under her breath. While Maya didn't catch it, Tenzo did. He flushed again, feeling the heat reach his ears.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. I'm sure Tenzo-san doesn't mind at all. You're so sweet! Half the patients love you."
"Oh, I don't know about that…."
"I do! But let me know if you want to help if Tenzo-san ever comes back. I'm sure we can work something out."
"I don't want to be a bother at all!"
"Nonsense!"
Tenzo crept away after that. He could have stayed but he felt bad. Maya was a very cute young woman. But she really wasn't the daughter of the Toad Sage. She was from a universe that saw him as entertainment. He was sure that's all he'd ever be to her. It was bad enough his village seemed to not notice his achievements. He didn't think he could handle it if the woman he dated did the same.
X
With the Chunin Final Exams drawing to a close, Tsunade had work to do. Ino and Sakura would be returning to their training soon. She and Shizune had been in the middle of said work when a guest came to her office. Since the day Tami left, said guest kept requesting a meeting with her, and she'd conveniently forget to address it. Especially after Tenzo's runin, he had been insistent.
The rat walked in, flanked by Yamanaka Fuu and Aburame Torune. All three seemed on edge, Danzo most of all.
Shizune stiffened, her knuckles white from clenching the paper she was holding. Tsunade shot her a look. Shizune took a second to calm herself.
"Oh, Shimura Danzo. I didn't expect to see you today!" Tsunade said conversationally. Although she couldn't fully guarantee his days were numbered, she was edging her bets. She didn't know which way she wanted to bet yet. But she was looking forward to the fallout - against Danzo.
"Forgive the intrusion, Tsunade-sama. I was nearby and recalled that it has been a little while since I saw you. I want to stop in." He said gracefully. He was trying to play up the helpless old man look.
Translation: you've been ignoring me and I wanted to make sure you hadn't signed my death warrant.
Tsunade crossed her arms and leaned back against her desk. He moved faster than she would have guessed. At least he knew she was to be respected. He hadn't respected her Sensei, that was for sure.
"Oh? You can always request to see me, you know." She smiled, doing her best to hide any malice. Shizune shifted behind her. Knowing her ward, she was probably getting ready to fight.
Danzo's face darkened, "I'm aware."
"Oh, well… now that you're here. How can I help you?" She asked.
"If we could talk privately, Tsunade-sama. I think this news is delicate and needs tending to." He said.
Tsunade hummed, and shot Shizune a look. The woman bowed; she and Danzo's guard left. Shizune closed the door behind her.
Once they were alone, Danzo began. He turned to her apologetically.
"I think one of Ibiki-san's employees has a strange fascination with the Uchiha compound. I think after meeting me, she decided I was somehow against her. I think she has some strange fantasy in her mind." Danzo said with a sigh. "I'm sure you've heard about it. I wanted to clear the air with her, but she suddenly vanished."
"Oh? I guess I haven't heard anything yet. What happened?"
"I think she believes I had something to do with the tragedy that the Uchiha endured. I'm sure it's out of grief from Uchiha Sasuke leaving as he did. She was close with him…. wasn't she?"
"I believe she was a friend of his, yes. I haven't seen Tami-chan in a while. If I find anything, I'll let you know." Tsunade told him. What was he trying to pull? She could only figure that he was trying to say Tami didn't know what the truth was. She was blinded by grief and choose to make Danzo a villain? How twisted was he?
"She abandoned her responsibilities?" Danzo said, aghast.
"I thought she was struggling, too. I sent her off to do some light work. Hopefully when she returns she'll be better." Tsunade said solemnly.
"Still… let me know. I do wish to clear the misunderstandings. Has… Hatake Kakashi mentioned anything?"
"Nothing. Should he have?"
"No. No, of course not. Just curious." He murmured. He waved a hand, as if trying to piece it all together.
"I'm so glad you were concerned, Danzo-san. I'm handling it. Tami-chan, once she returns will be back till her usual self." Tsunade promised, feigning a smile. Danzo seemed relieved. He took the second to bow - no where near as respectfully as he should have.
Danzo left quietly; not long after, Shizune returned. Tsunade shot her a look.
"Do you have the meeting with the Daimyo scheduled?" She asked pointedly.
"Yes, I do. In a week." Shizune replied with a smile. "I timed it with the usual after-exam meetings."
Tsunade smirked. Her plan was falling into place.
"Good work."
The day didn't come soon enough, in Tsunade's eyes. She was practically counting down the days until she could officially deal with the situation. The only good thing was, according to Yamato, Root didn't seem to suspect (or care) that she may know. She already authorized him to dig quietly in the background to find out whatever he could.
By the time her meeting with the Daimyo came, Tsunade was well prepared. She prepared the files, investigation, reports curated from Tami, Tenzo and Genma, and even a small testimonial from Shisui.
The Daimyo sighed, fanning himself idly and glanced at the papers before him. The thin, wiry old man sighed. He seemed to think that looking at papers were far below him.
"I didn't think I would be reading." He bemoaned. "What is this? I thought we were just talking about the Exams."
"I found some disturbing news. I thought you should know." Tsunade said. She hated this part of her job. She hated most of it, but it was what she was saddled with.
"Oh?" He used the end of his fan to lazily push the papers. He then paused, reading some of the report.
"It's come to my attention that Danzo may have abused his position and used his influence to murder the Uchiha clan behind the Hokage's back." Tsunade said.
The Daimyo hummed, and shifted through the reports.
"Is this report by that little blonde girl Sarutobi-san allowed into Konoha?" He asked.
Tsunade tried to smile; she didn't know how Tami was seen by the previous Hokage. Most seemed to have strong opinions on her. From the notes left, he seemed to humor her and her behavior. She had gotten away with a lot. After all, she took care of the last Uchiha heir, the Jinchuuriki, and became a ninja under Ibiki's tutelage.
"Yes, her name is Walker Tami. She led the investigation under my instructions." Tsunade said.
"Oh." The Daimyo murmured. For a beat more, Tsunade nearly held her breath until he finally continued his thought, "I saw her in action at the Exams. What an enjoyable battle. Sarutobi-san told me about her, too. She sounds….."
Tsunade waited, wondering what he heard. The blonde was a little eccentric to even Ninja standards.
"Charming." He said simply. Tsunade wanted to face palm; this was too much. "So you say she believes Danzo-san did this? And you have proof?"
"Yes. Two eyewitnesses, as well as motive and the means."
The Daimyo sighed, "I suppose this needs to be settled. Danzo-san went out of his way for this… What a mess…. Deal with it yourself."
He waved his fan delicately. Tsunade felt the weight of the investigation finally fall from her shoulders. The next steps she could handle. She knew talking to the Clan heads would be her next step.
X
As time went on, Maya found her new daily routine. Most days after work, she helped Kakashi learn either English or some dish she felt comfortable teaching him (Nan's most prized recipes were off limits, after all). It was the first day of showing him how to make pasta from scratch. He was doing pretty good, but she still felt absolutely horrible. Nan was probably rolling in her grave! What could she do?
"Okay, no. Wait!" Maya said suddenly. Kakashi froze, watching her incredulously.
"You told me to knead the dough." He said. He still hadn't moved. He was waiting for her to resolve what ever issue she had.
"Yeah…. I just feel bad…. I'm almost sure Nana will come in." She said hesitantly. She glanced at the doorway.
"If your Nana comes, I'll deal with it." He responded dismissively.
"No! You can't sparky punch my Nan!"
"Sparky… punch." He repeated.
There he was pretending he didn't know what she meant. She made a face at him.
"You know what I mean! You can't punch my Nan with a Chidori." She said with her hands on her hips. Kakashi just sighed.
"If your Nana comes back as a zombie, what would it matter?"
"No." She repeated firmly.
He waited for her to continue teaching him. Maya shifted nervously. The empty air his silence created made her uneasy.
"Okay, fine! I'll deal with Nana." Maya muttered. She waved her hand, "yeah. Uhm. Go on."
Kakashi gave her the patented bored-Hatake glance and then continued to work the dough.
"So…. How are you holding up?" She asked him, trying not to fidget under his gaze. Why was he always so focused? It was unnerving!
Kakashi barely even seemed to notice she spoke. In fact he didn't say anything. Instead he just pretended not to hear her.
"I mean I know you two are close, and you're probably-"
"Maya-chan. I don't want to talk about it." He said simply. He kept working the dough quietly. Maya figured it was best to keep quiet. She kept her instructions strictly to only finish the Creamy Noodles from scratch.
"You can always use pre-made noodles but Nan always said it was lazy." She said conversationally. She hoped he'd snap out of his funk soon. He needed to.
Kakashi tried the dish, not saying much about it. Finally he looked up and asked, "how different is the food from where you're from?"
"Oh? Very. I mean, we have the same stuff here but in Illinois, there's not much. I mean… well, in Chicago there is but, like, not…. There's more variety, I guess?" Maya explained. She paused for a second, wondering why he was asking. "Has.. has Tami talked about it?"
"No. She hasn't." He said flatly. Maya grimmanced. Well.
"Maybe… she probably doesn't really care. I mean… she's happier here than I've ever seen." Maya said. Once again he didn't reply. He started getting ready to go.
"Tomorrow, right? For English?" He asked.
"Ye- oh! No. I can't. I'm meeting with Reina." She explained. His dull look prompted her into a further explanation, "she's a nurse! Really nice. I started getting to know her at the hospital, you know?"
"I know who she is." He replied flatly. "Next week?"
Oh! He knew Reina? How nice.
"Yeah! Sure. See you then, I guess. Take care!" Maya called after him as he left. Kakashi just waved as he went. She hoped he was fairing well without Tami. He seemed okay. But Kakashi was really good at hiding his stuff, so to speak. He'll be fine. She was sure of it.
The next day, Maya worked through her shift. She found most of the doctors weren't like Doctor Junichiro. In fact, the older Doctor Akio was a nice, calm man who was one of the kindest people Maya had ever met.
"Good job Maya-chan." He told her, after she helped a patient out quickly. It wasn't anything big. Maya bobbed her head and carried on quietly. She was doing a good job! How great was that? She tried her hardest to not do a little jig out of excitement. Nan would be so proud!
By the end of her shift, Reina and Maya went to the nurse's home to hang out. It was a cute little apartment on the outskirts of Inuzuka land. Maya hadn't been to that side of town yet. It wasn't as developed, and there was more open space. It was nice. Reina and her chatted about work stuff until they got to her door. Maya fell quiet as they stepped in.
"Make yourself at home." Reina said as she kicked off her shoes at the front door. She stepped into her home, and made a clicking noise with her tongue, "Sushi! I'm home!"
Oh! Maya realized, as she was taking off her shoes. It had to be her dog, of course. Reina was an Inuzuka. She had to have a -.
A fluffy white and orange cat padded into the living room, sashaying right up to Reina and nuzzled her legs. She picked him up and settled into the couch.
"A… a cat?" Maya asked. She wasn't sure if she should touch it, or ignore it or what! Cats scratched, didn't they? Right?
"Yeah. I don't like dogs. They slobber." The nurse said, scratching the cat's chin. She glanced at her friend and smiled, "he won't hurt you."
"Oh." Maya couldn't say she expected that she didn't like dogs. She eyed the cat warily. She never really dealt with them. Nan didn't like them and her dad didn't allow pets. She did try to pet a dog one time but it lunged at her. She had hoped that maybe Reina had one to see if all dogs didn't like her.
She sat down across the couch, trying not to stare at the little fluffball.
Reina giggled, turning to her friend fondly, "don't tell me you're afraid of my little Sushi?"
"I just… never really been around cats…." Maya said. She gave a weak smile, eyeing the cat curiously. He was cute, though. All fluff and purring.
"Oh, well. We're honored, aren't we Shisui-Sushi? He's the best cat in the world!" She exclaimed, scratching under the ears of the cat. It melted into her lap, purring loudly enough that Maya could hear it. Reina eased into the sofa, a contented smile on her face. It was different than the Reina she was used to at work.
'Shisui-sushi?' She wondered. Why was Reina's cat named after Uchiha Shisui?
"My little Sushi has been with me for years. He… he helped me out of some dark times, isn't that right?" Reina asked. The cat meowed as if it knew what she had said.
"I.. erm… is he named after someone?" Maya pried, just a little bit. Hopefully not much.
Reina took a moment, smiling sadly. She didn't look up from her cat. She took her time in answering.
"Yeah. Yeah, he is. I had… I had a friend in the academy. He worked hard enough to feign being a natural. He would just grin all the time. He'd tease me. I don't think I did as well as he did, but I got by. He… he died under some strange circumstances. And then almost a month later-." Reina stopped, not able to continue. She stopped petting Sushi and seemed lost in thought. Her smile was gone, and Maya could see the weight Reina was living under.
How terrible!
"The Uchiha massacre." Maya finished sadly.
Reina flinched. Her head bowed and she fixed her gaze on the cat.
"So you know about that, huh?"
"Uhh… kinda. I had questions and some people were nice enough to answer." Maya said. Her friend didn't seem to notice her fib.
"Uchiha Shisui was a good friend of mine. After his cousin…. Well… little Sasuke was alone. I tried to help him, and take him in but neither the Hokage or the Clan head allowed it." Reina said sadly. There was a sense of conflict in her eyes. Anger that she couldn't help and sadness for what she and others lost, "I went by one day, just… reliving the good times, I guess… my little Sushi was there, just as alone as I was. I took him in…."
Maya hadn't really thought about the effect that the massacre had on other villagers. It always was framed as some necessary evil, even if she didn't agree. She had always thought the villagers forgot about it.
"They said he took his own life, you know? I knew him. He'd never do that. Then I heard his cousin was the one that killed him and I wasn't sure…. They were so close. Then the massacre- and, and I don't know. It's a lot." Reina said quietly. Her head bowed. She still hadn't looked up from Sushi.
Guilt started to bubble up from Maya's stomach. Shisui was alive. He was alive, training Tami right now. Reina didn't know! But she couldn't quite say anything about it.
"I'm sorry. He must have been important to you." Maya said carefully. She pulled over to her friend, who finally glanced up. There were tears in her eyes, but she brushed them away. She forced a smile and shifted in her seat.
"We were… we were friends. He was so annoying in classes. Always getting everything right. That stupid grin he'd always….. the idiot used to try to use a clone to get out of class. I'd catch him sometimes…." Reina drifted off, pausing for a beat. Her smile turned more bitter sweet. "He died too young."
"He really did." Maya agreed softly. Her Nana passed years ago, but it was something the family expected, even if it was painful. Shisui had "died" before his life really began. Before many of the Uchiha could live. There was only one survivor; wait. No. There were three. She hoped Reina had the chance to see Shisui again. She hoped he returned soon.
Maya would have shared her Nana's story, and how she had lost her Grandmother - but it didn't apply. Reina just needed a listening ear. Maya did her best to provide that.
X
Keeping busy wasn't so hard, Kakashi found. He just jumped head first into work. It was the only way he knew to make the time go by. His Tami would be back before he knew it. He hoped. In the meantime, he would check in on Maya and Oliver, when guilt forced him. The older man seemed to like to get on his nerves. He was a pain, but he'd never admit he kind of welcomed it. Kakashi was being coddled by the few friends he had. Being teased by his Sunshine's Uncle wasn't the worst thing to happen. Kurenai now went out of her way to check up on him.
"You know, Asuma and I haven't seen you for a while. Why don't we hang out tonight?" She had asked earlier that day. He tried to politely decline (the last thing he wanted was the pitying looks from both Asuma and Kurenai), but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Getting away from Kurenai years before, after losing Rin, had been easy. The Genjutsu user didn't really understand why he struggled with her death. Of course, he and the others weren't entirely open about the details surrounding it. But she still was a little callous with him. He figured it was Tami's influence that changed the other woman.
He sighed.
Of course.
He really never thought she had entangled herself that deeply in his life. They hadn't even been this bad when she was in the hospital from Kabuto's attack. It wasn't like she'd never show up again. It wasn't like Shisui couldn't hold his own with the help of Tami. She was a good support team player. It wasn't like - Itachi could just show up any time and -.
He had to stop himself from summoning Pakkun. Tami might coddle him to a degree - he was starting to see he did the same with her. He had to believe she could handle it on her own. She managed the exams just fine without him. The only problem had been their last mission together, about a year ago. She had left herself wide open for an attack. He breathed out evenly. It was time for another short mission, surely. Maybe even trying to get out of that dinner with Asuma and Kurenai. He had to put this behind him. Pakkun wouldn't fail. Neither would Tami.
After completing the simple mission, he ended up going to meet with Kurenai and Asuma (albeit a little late).
"How've you been, Kakashi-kun?" Kurenai asked politely.
"Fine." He replied. He was fine, he would be fine, he always was fine. Unless he wasn't, then he dealt with it. Tami being there didn't mean he wasn't fine. So what if he missed seeing her between missions? So what if he wanted to hold her close? He would soon enough. It was fine.
"I'm sure he's been keeping up with all the missions Tsunade-sama has been sending our way." Asuma said flatly. He sent Kurenai a pointed look; apparently Kakashi wasn't the only one to get tired of the coddling. It wasn't so bad, then. Asuma seemed to get it.
"I need to check in on Oliver-san soon." Kakashi said.
"Yeah? How is he? Kurenai said he is really ornery." Asuma asked.
"I did not. I just said he seemed a little grumpy but kind is all." Kurenai said defensively.
"That's nearly the same. I'm surprised you don't seem to like him, Hatake. He seems kinda grouchy like you are." Asuma teased, and Kakashi sent him a look. He was nothing like that man. At all.
"He thought Gai was on drugs." He said, still not believing it. Gai was eccentric but he wasn't drugged!
"Yeah? I wondered the same a time or two. Gai is always…. What was it Walker said? On?" Asuma tried with a laugh. He leaned back in his chair, a wide grin plastered across his face.
"Gai has always been unique. He does take a little getting used to." Kurenai murmured. Her eyes softened, and she glanced at Kakashi. "I feel like it's been quiet without her here. Not that she's loud, or anything - but…. She's kind of like Gai in that, isn't she? She makes herself known."
"Unfortunately." Asuma said, although he was partially joking. Kurenai elbowed him in the side.
Kakashi managed a small smile. She did make herself known. Once again, he realized how wrapped up she was in his life. He couldn't even enjoy his books without thinking about her. He would have to find something his own to do. Maybe something different than missions. Most of the D rank missions he had to avoid, anyways.
He did have one student still in Konoha. Sakura was training under Tsunade, though. He supposed he could help her. It would keep his mind off of things. Sakura was the least troublesome student he had. It might be nice to teach her. After all, she had excellent control. He didn't really get the chance to get to know her. Half the time he was trying to corral Naruto, and the other half he was trying to direct Sasuke out of his pit.
Kurenai cleared her throat nervously and Asuma changed the subject to their work and students. When the night was done, Asuma and Kakashi stood off to the side, waiting for Kurenai to return from the restroom.
"She's been feeling guilty. Said Tami would want her to check in on you." Asuma confessed quietly. His gaze darted off to where Kurenai left.
"She probably would. She usually tries to use Pakkun against me." Kakashi added, thinking about the times she came with the Pug while he was recuperating or she had bad news to share.
"She has some strange ideas." Asuma said humorously. He sent the other ninja a lopsided grin. His fingers tapped the tabletop softly.
Kakashi silently agreed, but he didn't mind. It was kind of nice to have somebody that fretted over you. Only sometimes, of course. And only certain people. When they parted for the night, Kakashi went home. He quietly mused over the times he and Tami spent together at night. Her laugh and cute mischievous grin. He really needed a distraction. Training his remaining student might be a good idea.
The next day he swung by to see Sakura. Kakashi saw her there with Ino, working quietly and studying. Really, she was his best behaved student.
"Ah! Hello, Sakura-chan." He greeted her lightly.
"Kakashi-sensei." Sakura remarked coldly, her hands on her hips.
He stopped in his tracks. What? What did he do to earn that reaction from her?
"What does he want?" Ino asked Sakura quietly. Ino glanced at Kakashi as if he couldn't hear them. Rude.
"I don't know, he's so weird." She said softly in response. She sent Kakashi a pointed look. He nearly sighed. He wasn't that weird.
"I just wanted to check in on my favorite student." Kakashi said defensively, waving his hands.
Both girls stared him down. Neither of them seemed to believe him!
"Your sensei is so weird."
"I know." Sakura sighed. "What do you really want Sensei?"
Girls; he doubted he'd ever understand them.
"I wanted to check in on you. See how you're doing. Maybe I can help?"
Sakura's critical eye stopped then. His student finally respected him!
"Why?"
"I thought it might be nice."
Sakura and Ino shared a look. Kakashi waited and then finally, Sakura nodded.
"I have some extra time tomorrow at 8am." She allowed. She raised up her head, and looked down her nose at him! He was taller? He didn't know how she pulled that off. Girls… they were trouble.
"I'll see you then." He said as he went to leave.
"And don't be late!" She called after him.
Really, his students could be a little too much. He wasn't always late.
X
Sasuke went through his sword stances, shifting from one to the next. He breathed out through his strikes, though his focus was elsewhere.
Oliver was right.
Itachi didn't murder his clan on his own. Nothing his brother had done made any sense. As he went over the night in his mind, the fractured pieces of memory - everything started to fall into place. There was no way Itachi did it alone. Someone in the village had to have helped him.
The Hokage?
A Clan Leader?
The Anbu?
He couldn't say. But what he did know was that he left Konoha for no reason. He left to protect those left behind him, to get strong and to bring Itachi in. If his brother wasn't entirely to blame, and he wasn't going to kill the family he found, he left for nothing. If he had been there, he could have investigated it. But he couldn't entirely regret his decision. He was getting stronger every day. He'd learn all he could from Orochimaru. He'd leave and then learn what he could on his own. Itachi was still his target. He still committed crimes against his clan. Orochimaru was still on his list. The Sanin still stared at him hungrily, eager for his Sharingan. If he remained, his days were numbered. Soon enough, he'd have to leave. His next moves would have to be carefully done. He'd figure out who should come with and who shouldn't.
X
Tami grinned, watching the water split in her hands.
"Well, hello gorgeous." She said with a grin. She got it handled! How curious it was. Next she'd try something harder. Maybe stop the water upriver - or create a small whirlpool. It sounded like a good idea.
"Thanks. I've been concerned I gained weight." Pakkun said from the bank. Tami scoffed at him.
"You? Think nothing of it." She said easily.
"You think so?"
"Oh, of course."
She stepped out from the water, and he jumped into her shoulder.
"Have you checked in with-?"
"Nah. Boss wanted me here."
"Has… has he checked in?"
"He probably won't. Any going back and forth might bring attention." Pakkun advised.
Tami hummed in agreement. It made sense.
"So… it would be unreasonable to maybe check in on him?"
"Well… boss' orders supersede your possible request." Pakkun said.
"Well… that would be a problem." Tami agreed. Maybe she could ask Shisui for more information about that summoner business.
Returning to the farm to help with her other duties - she saw the last Uchiha she ever wanted to see.
That one.
Itachi.
He and his cousin sat on the deck, reclined in the hot midday sun. The second he saw her, his gaze narrowed. Tami ignored him for that moment.
"What is she doing here?" Itachi asked coldly. He didn't even move an inch. Almost like he saw her as no threat. To be truthful she wasn't much of one. Not right now.
"To be an irritant to your existence." She said coldly. She could feel the look Pakkun was sending her.
"Danzo has found out about her. She's here to train while we're waiting to get directions from Tsunade-sama." Shisui said with a smile. He reclined against the wall behind him.
Itachi clearly didn't seem impressed. Instead of commenting on her training, he zeroed in on Pakkun.
"Why is Kakashi's summon on your shoulder?" He asked, almost trying to imply she stole it.
Tami turned to Pakkun, as if seeing him for the first time. The duo headed towards the kitchen to grab a snack. "
Oh. Well. What do you know?" She said, not even bothering to look at him.
"You're kidding. There's no way Kakashi-senpai would ever choose you." Itachi said pointedly. Why was he so pressed about it? Kakashi was a free man, to love who he wanted!
"Sounds like a you problem, luv." Tami snapped back. Pakkun cringed on her shoulder and she sighed. Oh yes, she wasn't supposed to antagonize the murderer.
Shisui laughed at them both.
"You two argue like siblings." He said, humor evident in his tone.
She wisely kept her mouth shut as Itachi just glared at his cousin.
"Tell me, you're going to report this to your boss aren't you?" She asked, already knowing the answer. The Pug didn't dignify her question with a reply. She still got her apple, and snagged something for Pakkun too (a nice slice of ham).
"Bribery will get you nowhere." He said.
"You can't blame a girl for trying. Consider it a consolidation for dealing with me this afternoon." She said teasingly. Pakkun sniffed at her, but didn't object further.
When she stepped back out, Itachi watched her from the corner of his eye. He sat there like he was a bored royal on holiday.
"So what is the goth-wonder up to now? I thought you didn't want to deal with the fallout of Danzo's schemes." Tami asked. She was feeling a little kinder, considering her earlier win.
Itachi didn't answer at first. Shisui provided it for her.
"He wanted to check in." He said lightly. He leaned back, "do you have good news? You're back early."
"Mm. Wind is next, me thinks." Tami said with a grin. She had a little bit more ironing out to do with water, but she wanted to start in on wind.
"Oh, how nice."
"Aren't you a little old to learn chakra natures?" Itachi said drily. Tami huffed, and sat down on Shisui's other side. Pakkun started in on his ham.
"I'll let you know when I'm worried about what you think." Tami said flatly.
"Yeah, I thought it was weird too, until Tsunade-sama mentioned Tami-chan has only been a ninja for… four years? Three?" Shisui said, scratching his cheek.
Itachi turned to her so quickly, she wondered if he had gotten whiplash.
"Three years?" He echoed.
"Or some such." She waved her hand. Pakkun hid a laugh.
He simply stared. She was surprised his mouth wasn't hanging open. He was studying her in such a way she wasn't sure she liked it. So she ignored it.
"A Chunin Kunoichi, who only has three years experience, insults clan killers, threatens immortal mercenaries, and routinely gets in the way. You call me stupid?" Itachi asked.
"Calculated risk, I assure you." Tami said in reply, taking a bite of her apple.
"Calculated." He scoffed.
"Luv, I've dealt with drug dealers, crazed maniacs, frat boys, and gun welding redneck cheaters. I've seen it all. The chakra was new, but…." Tami shrugged, and lay back.
"You're comparing drug dealers to Shinobi?"
"Tell me; what's more dangerous. A trained professional, or a desperate man with nothing to lose."
Itachi fell quiet. He still sent her a funny look. Mostly that he didn't seem to know what to do with her. And just a small sliver of… he was impressed?
She figured she misread him.
She stayed for as long as she could bare, which wasn't much more.
When she stood to leave, Shisui spoke up.
"You know, Itachi, why don't you train her for a little bit? It might be fun." He said innocently. Tami sent both men a glower while a small grin flicked across Itachi's mouth.
He didn't answer. Instead, the goth-wonder stood up and lurked right passed her to the field she and Shisui had been using.
Tami looked back at Shisui who had the largest grin painted right across his face.
Grand.
"I'm getting even with you about this." She warned.
"Only if you can keep up." Shisui replied mysteriously.
Tami huffed and followed her least favorite Emo out to the training field. He stood there waiting for her, his arm casually resting from the inside of his coat.
She wished she could adequately put Itachi in his place. She even wished she could have taken him down. Instead, the man changed tactics.
Before, he had always waited for her to attack first. He always waited, and usually used genjutsu or defended himself.
Instead he launched himself at her, using his skill in Taijutsu. While she moved around him, it was clear he was more skilled than she was.
"You are new to Taijutsu, aren't you?" He asked flatly.
"Perhaps." She said.
He feigned to the side. She realized it a moment too late. He sent her flying, on her back with one underhanded punch to her gut.
"Now I understand." Itachi murmured to himself. Tami groaned and pushed herself back up. Grand.
As they sparred, he won four out of their five matches. The ones she did win she had outwit him, by using wire and a quick substitution jutsu. it sent the genius to the ground. Itachi frowned from where he was, his gaze narrowed.
"You use really simple skills instead of what you could do." He said.
"I think you mean resourceful." Tami corrected.
"I think I mean you don't effectively use your chakra where you could." He said sharply.
"Oh?"
"You don't know many jutsus do you? Civilian trained Shinobi usually don't. But even by academy standards, you're behind." He said.
"So you noticed it too?" Shisui said, coming up to them.
"I've been able to work my way around." Tami said with a sniff. She did rather well, at least from what she could tell.
"You need more jutsus. Kakashi-senpai taught you none of the ones he knows?" Itachi asked.
"Locked vault, that one. He taught me one as a bribe." Tami confessed. She then realized she was speaking to Itachi, and frowned. "What care do you have for how I battle?"
"When I'm gone, someone will have to be beside Sasuke. If you can't live past the battles, what good are you to me?" He said.
Tami raised her eyebrows at him. What did he just tell her? Well, if he was going to act like some Lord, she'd feed into that.
"Oh? Forgive this one, Itachi-sama! How dare I not fit into your grand schemes! The nerve I surely must have not to bend myself to your unquestionable rule. How ever shall I be forgiven?" She carried on, dramatically rolling her wrists and diving into a deep curtsy.
Itachi barely reacted to her sarcasm, frowning at her while Shisui snickered behind her.
"What I wouldn't give to see that." He chortled.
"When we get your eyes from that creep, I'll happily do an encore." Tami said.
"Eye. He only has one. The other… it's in use now."
"In use?"
"Itachi has it. I'll get it back from him when Danzo is gone." He said.
Itachi didn't answer how he happened to have an eye in his person. How could he just magic it out and be able to let Shusui have it again? Tami decided not to question it. Some things were best left unsaid.
"Right. Well. Now that that's settled, I'm off." She said and bowed out. Returning to Pakkun, the pug sighed.
"Well, that wasn't too bad." He said.
No. Not at all.
X
Oliver groaned. The Sai kid had it somewhere in his mind to befriend him. He kept trying to smile, all teeth and no joy.
"Hello, Oliver-san. I wanted to check in. You seemed stressed." Sai said.
Oliver eyed him, leaning back in his chair.
"Yeah? I wonder why." He grumbled.
"I wondered if it might be the girl who left the village a week ago. Do you miss her?"
"Miss who?" Oliver acted dumb. What did he care about his niece? Tams never mentioned this kid.
"Your daughter." Sai guessed.
"Daughter? I don't have a daughter. Unless you got news for me, Sai." Oliver countered.
"But you live with her…. Unless you're more?" Sai tried again.
"Live with who?" Oliver continued his act.
Sai's brow furrowed.
"You lived with her, didn't you?"
"Oh. Maybe? Listen, kid. I'm old." Oliver muttered, "don't you have art to do?"
Sai fell quiet. His mouth barely pursed. His emotions were so hidden, Oliver pondered if Sai could even name them. He stood up from the desk. They were days away from opening the agency. He had mere moments left in Konoha - at least it felt that way.
Oliver left, Sai watching him as he went. He bowed his head, said goodbye to Genma as he passed.
His days were numbered in Konoha. Soon enough he'd be home. He'd have to figure something out. Maya would probably stay at this point. Going back home was full of problems. He'd have to tell his son. Charles would never believe him.
On his back back to Tams' place, he saw his future Nephew in law in the graveyard. Not having seen him in a while, Oliver decided to go over to him.
The young man stared down at the ground. Coming up behind him, Oliver knew for sure Kakashi was aware of his presence.
He didn't speak at first. He chose to honor the silence. Oliver read the plaque - Hatake Sakumo.
Oliver could easily guess who's grave they were at. According to the date, he had died over twenty years ago.
"That your old man?" Oliver asked. Kakashi didn't answer. He glanced at the other man from the corner of his eye. The older of the two just fell quiet. Without a second thought, Oliver reached for his back pocket, and pulled out his wallet. He flipped it open and pulled out a single penny. He set it on the headstone.
"Your old man is a soldier like you, huh?" Oliver asked.
"He was a Shinobi."
"Yeah?"
"He took his own life after he failed a mission."
Oliver didn't press further. The other man was lost in his own thoughts.
"He prioritized the lives of his teammates over the mission. He was disgraced."
"Sounds like a damn good soldier." Oliver said.
"The village…."
"The village thinks children fighting is appropriate. Missions come and go. He chose the right thing." He said.
Kakashi glanced at him. He finally pulled away from the headstone. He glanced back at the penny Oliver had left.
"What is that? What did you put down?"
"A penny. Pennies are for telling the family somebody was there."
"I'm the only family left." Kakashi said, a feigned eye smile evident on his face.
"Yeah? That won't be for long. Oh, hey. I got a punk who keeps asking about Tams." Oliver said.
"Who?"
"Some kid who transferred from the Anbu. He's weird. Started trying to be friendly, and asked about her."
Kakashi nodded. "I can look into it."
"Yeah? You know you're my favorite nephew in law."
The dirty look Kakashi sent Oliver was worth it. He tossed his arm over Hatake's shoulder.
"Come on. Why don't I treat you to dinner?" Oliver offered.
Kakashi seemed like he was about to accept but his head snapped in a different direction. His gaze narrowed and immediately left. From what Oliver could see, he was headed in the direction of Tami's apartment.
Oliver sighed and began to make his way over. He couldn't keep up, running wise. He was out of shape. But he tried jogging. By the time he arrived - Kakashi was in the living room with the door wide open. Tami's apartment had been a wreck. Her sofa was pulled out from the wall, the tv lay on the ground. Clothing was strewn around.
"Don't touch anything." Oliver advised.
Kakashi cursed to himself, carefully moving around the room.
"They were after Intel." He said.
"Yeah. Now we just got to see what they took. If they found anything."
"Her camera. She had a camera, Naruto-kun told me." Kakashi said.
Oliver frowned. That wasn't good. At all.
"Well, we better find it."
The two cleaned and scoured through the mess. The camera was gone. Oliver couldn't find it. At least her phone was there. Kakashi had found it, holding it up to evaluate it.
"I guess it's time to report this to the Hokage." Oliver suggested.
Kakashi didn't answer.
"Kakashi, they aren't going to find her. They don't know where she is. She's safe." Oliver said.
His future Nephew in law simply turned to him. The empty look in his eye made Oliver realize how much he had to have lost.
X
Starting in on wind nature had been rather easy for Tami. The water still was a bit trickier.
"I think you've been using wind chakra without even knowing it. That bird screech you do uses wind. Did you know that?"
"I… no. I used my voice, and applied chakra."
"You're using wind. It's not as strong as it could be, but…. It's there." Shisui said, ending any argument she had. She guessed he was right, there was no way just simple vocal usage to do what she did.
"How did you figure it out, by the way?" He asked.
"It was…. I've been learning to treat my voice as an instrument for years. I found breathing to be incredibly useful when using chakra. It didn't seem to be a terrible jump in logic to weaponize my voice. Been using it for years." Tami reasoned.
Shisui nodded, humming to himself.
"It makes sense, actually. You really do work your way around." He muttered, stroking his chin in thought.
Tami didn't reply, just waited.
"Well, why don't we take a break? You'll need your rest, I think." He said calmly.
She did hate it when he was cryptic like that. She sighed, nodded. The young woman decided a walk was best.
Pakkun trailed over to her, popping up into her shoulder.
"I think I saw a lovely little tree over there I wanted to look at. Want to join me?" Tami asked.
"I don't think I got a choice." Pakkun said. The two carried on, going deep into the surrounding forest it was nice at first. Peaceful. But then she heard no birds. The wind seemed to stop. It was so quiet, the silence almost felt loud.
Tami felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. For the first time, she felt like she had eyes on her.
"You okay?" Pakkun asked.
"Oh. Well enough." Tami replied, trying to remain calm. Then Pakkun's ear perked up. He shot Tami a look.
She didn't have time to respond before a man dressed in all black fell from the high trees. He had a tanto in hand, intent on striking her down. Tami grounded herself, and unleashed her Canary call without a second thought. The man was pushed back by the force, knocking into a tree behind him. Then she felt another presence behind her. In one swift movement, the other man went to pull a wire around her neck. Pakkun went to attack the one behind her but he was swatted away. Tami jammed her hand in between the wire and her neck before it tightened.
"For the good of Konoha, you will die." A voice told her. Tami fought, gasping. Thankfully she could get some air. She'd have to think and fast. The other Root agent already was getting to his feet. He picked his tanto back up and stalked to her.
Realization started to sink in. She only had Pakkun with her. Shisui was busy elsewhere. Itachi was gone (though she doubted he'd ever try to save her). There was no Kakashi to rescue her last second like last time. She was alone. Against Anbu level threats. The last one kept her in the hospital for a month.
Grand.
End chapter
An/: So I don't do cliffhangers very often. I felt like it would fit well here, so I went ahead and went with it. Anyways! I hope you all are well and safe. Please, make sure to laugh. Especially if you haven't in a while.
I hope you all are well, safe, and found amazing! Sorry for not responding to the reviews lately. Life has been rough. Have an amazing day!
See you next chapter.