His lips curled into a bittersweet smile. He'd gotten this far and now… Well, he was never very good with rules, was he? His hands gripped the wooden fencing, his knuckles turning white from exerting such pressure. His body trembled slightly, either from rage or sorrow; it was hard to tell. It didn't matter though as a perfect chance was all but…ruined.
"If you had the chance to save someone…would you take it?" he asked, gritting his teeth.
The daunting silence hung in the air as he waited for an answer. His body was tense as he desperately waited for the words to spill forth. If a chance was given, wouldn't anybody take it? The answers came soon enough.
"Of course. Similarly, I'd also weigh options that are available."
"I did. This is the only one worth taking." he bit out.
"Don't be stupid."
Gods! Why is it that every time I want to help out, I'm the idiot?
"I'm not! Is it stupid to save someone? Is it? Answer me damn it!" he snapped.
"No…not at all. But for once, just consider other options. Do you even know why I'm here?"
"Why, you old-hag? I visited you earlier and you flat-out said no."
"At the time, I didn't realize what had happened. He's not stupid enough to endanger himself in that way…but I never took in to account how compassionate he could be."
"Now you know. Will you let me go then?"
"No, there's no need. I already sent men in to help."
Naruto stood there, his backed turned away so that she couldn't see his shocked face. Suddenly, his eyes softened as he allowed himself a slight smile. Perhaps she was right when she said to be patient. Otherwise, he would have made a deadly, utterly stupid mistake. Instead of helping out, he would have gotten in the way!
Gods, his throat felt tight and he couldn't shake off the warmth enveloping him. "Thank you." he said softly.
"Whatever, brat. Just go back home and get some sleep. It's late for you to be out anyway."
Just then, another thought occurred to him. His eyes widened with fear. Hadn't Iruka ventured out? Wouldn't he be considered a missing-nin then? Instead of saving him, what if hunter-nins were dispatched?
"What about Iruka? Wouldn't he be considered a missing-nin?" Naruto asked, his voice an octave higher due to panic.
Tsunade sighed. She hadn't relied on Naruto being so keen either. It was true; due to Iruka's absence, he would be deemed a missing-nin. It was inevitable that Naruto should piece together everything.
"I will not set the hunter-nins upon him until I hear what he has to say. His circumstances are slightly different. With that under consideration, he will face a far different sort of punishment."
Punishment? Iruka-sensei wouldn't abandon anything!
Naruto's mind was in a panic. He knew that his beloved sensei saw things through until the very end; he wasn't the type of man to abandon his duties! He was a man dedicated to the leaf; it was impossible for him to leave it behind. Nothing made sense!
"Iruka-sensei would never betray Konoha because he loves it too much. He wouldn't do anything like that!"
Tsunade observed the passionate boy before her. She was well aware of the relationship between the two. Iruka viewed the boy as the little brother or the surrogate son while Naruto respected the older man like a big brother or a father-figure; it was inevitable that the two would forge a close relationship.
"Until we learn more about this particular case, he's safe. Don't worry, the hunter-nins won't track him."
Naruto's tense features visibly relaxed after hearing her words. Now that all his fears had abated, he knew there was no purpose in continuing his foolish plans any longer. He knew it was stupid to keep his back to her. Feeling slightly self-conscious, he turned to face the speaker, addressing her fully. He wanted to thank her properly.
When Naruto turned around, Tsunade was already gone, leaving nothing but air in her wake. This time, he allowed his mouth to transform into a radiant smile. Perhaps he could rest in peace, knowing that help was on the way.
His steps considerably lighter without the burden of Iruka's distress weighing on his shoulders, Naruto sped back home.
Aiko carefully kneeled on one of the many tatami mats provided, tucking her feet underneath and clasping her hands on her lap; in front of the Hokage, she assumed proper manners would leave a positive impression. At the very least, her etiquette would be able to mend some of the damage she had caused when she had first met the Hokage.
Tsunade observed the young girl before her with critical eyes; she was somewhat amused by the pretense of the girl. What had happened to all the fire and passion she exhibited during their first encounter? There would be time for it to resurface in all its glory so she wasn't overtly concerned about the girl's sudden demure nature.
"Do you believe me?" Aiko asked suddenly, her voice breaking through the building tension.
Ah…so beneath her quiet demeanor was a lioness ready to strike! Tsunade hid her smile, impressed the girl managed to break through the silence in such a small amount of time. However, she didn't answer the girl's question. Her hands cupped the teacup, the palms soaking in the warmth. She picked up the cup and took a sip, enjoying the rich tea. Finally, she set the cup down, ready to answer the girl.
"Your incredulous story has been proven to be…true. As much as I'd like to discredit all that you've told me, it would mean disgrace for one of our most trusted ninjas." Tsuande said in a clipped tone.
Aiko let out the breath that she didn't realize she was holding. If the woman believed her, then perhaps Iruka could be saved. However, she forgot to ask one nagging question, something that has been bothering her since the day she was released from the brothel. She was missing something very important. It didn't take long for her to recount everything that had happened and remember the questions that still lingered in her mind.
"Iruka…what happened to him? He lied to me when the Black Lotus let me go. He said he paid for it…but I could tell he was lying." Aiko finished lamely. To hide her fiddling hands, she picked up the teacup, taking small sips to calm her nerves.
"What he said was partially true. You see, he did pay. At least, he paid enough to let you go. Now you must be wondering what sum he had given since he is not an elite jounin," Tsunade said while Aiko nodded in affirmation. "In essence, he paid by swapping places with you. In exchange for your freedom, he gave up his own."
There was a sharp clatter as Aiko dropped the teacup. Tea spilled across the mahogany table and splashed onto both figures. Aiko didn't notice as her eyes glazed over, unfocused and lost in shock and utter confusion. Tsunade calmly took a napkin and wiped off the tea. Aiko felt someone tapping her shoulder. Too numb to respond, she sat, thinking over what the Hokage had just told her.
In exchange for your freedom, he gave up his own.
She closed her eyes shut, hoping to block off everything. In the darkness, she could still see the last traces of Iruka's smile as he proclaimed her to be free. That was how she remembered him…smiling. But behind that smile, he was hiding his pain and she was too dense to notice! Why would he do that? Why would he lie? Didn't he realize it would only hurt more in the end?
He did that for me… HE DID THAT FOR ME!
"He did that for me. He did that…for me…" she mumbled to herself in a low voice.
Tsunade watched the girl in front of her with great interest, noting every action executed, every word spoken.
"Yes. He is a good ninja, following his own code of honor."
"He is a good man." Aiko said softly.
Silence ensued, each lost in their own thoughts, troubled by current events. Aiko's thoughts were interrupted when she felt her robes getting wetter and colder; she looked down to notice tea still dripping from the table. Crimson stained her cheeks as she hurriedly picked up a napkin and wiped off the mess she had caused.
"I'm…I…I apologize for my…behavior." she said uneasily.
"Though your actions were quite unexpected, it's hardly a concern. But there are more pressing matters."
"Yes, there are. But, if I may ask, why did you send for me?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"I am sending in a small team of shinobis to undertake this mission. They will negotiate with the proprietor of the Black Lotus and free Iruka. However, if the owner turns out to be reluctant and stubborn, a different course of action will be taken."
"What does the mission have to do with me?"
"You worked at the Black Lotus for quite some time. You will provide the team with any information they need regarding the brothel."
What the Hokage was saying made sense, but Aiko felt she was playing a very minor role in this mission. If the Hokage thought she was going to stay behind and merely be an informer, then she had another thing coming! Years of abuse and suffering had left her raw and sharp; it was an insult to deem her inferior and only worthy of providing information! Aiko knew she was capable of more challenging tasks.
"I would like to have a more active role in the mission." Aiko stated calmly. Her eyes, usually a warm brown, became hard coals of black, indicating how serious she was.
"You are not trained in the ways of being a shinobi. If danger presents itself, you will be a hindrance." Tsunade said bluntly.
What the Hokage said was true, but Aiko refused to back down. "I lived on the streets and survived the brutalities of the Black Lotus. That is more than enough. I will not get in the way of this mission. Give me a more active role." Aiko said in sharp, clipped tones. For a moment, she forgot she was talking to the most powerful figure in the village.
Tsunade smiled, noting the passion resurfacing. Courage made the girl bold, breaking all traces of her demure façade.
So this is the true self the girl was hiding under all those layers! Very admirable.
"Though highly unlikely, you may become severely injured or…you may even lose your life. From reports I was given, it seems the Black Lotus employs mercenaries and the like to guard the establishment. There is also another risk."
Aiko waited patiently, though she instinctively knew the answer. Death and injury were the least of her concerns.
"If you fail, you may get recaptured and lose the freedom that was given to you."
"I know. I know all the risks involved, but compared to everyone else in the team, I'm the most prepared for this mission."
"Very well. You will accept whatever outcome the future brings."
"What else can I do." Aiko sighed.
Yes. What else can I do?
Ichi stared at the demure man before him with curiosity. Despite the façade, a different person lay waiting. He had assumed the man was as delicate as he looked…but gods he was wrong! The man was a ninja, completely shattering whatever first impressions were created.
Iruka fidgeted, clearly uncomfortable under the sharp gaze of his companion. He wondered why Ichi was staring at him in such an intense manner and a vein throbbed in irritation.
"What?" Iruka blurted out in exasperation; Ichi recoiled in shock before gathering his composure.
"Sorry. I didn't think you'd notice me staring."
Iruka hung his head low at hearing that statement. He'd have to be really stupid to not notice someone staring at him so blatantly…especially with such a funny and confused expression.
"You looked at me like I was some kind of freak." Iruka grumbled.
"I…well…to be honest, you don't seem like the…you know…you don't look like a ninja." Ichi uttered.
"What do you mean by that?" Iruka asked, offended by what Ichi had to say.
"You just don't look like you fit the part! No need to be so defensive!"
"Sorry. I didn't mean to be so harsh." Iruka amended.
"No offense taken." Ichi said grudgingly.
An uncomfortable silence settled between the two. Ichi coughed while Iruka immersed himself in his thoughts.
"So…how did you knock him out?"
"What?" Iruka asked, shaken out of his stupor.
"How did you knock Hakkai out?" Ichi said slowly.
"I kind of…I sort of punched him and kicked his…kicked his sensitive spot…" Iruka mumbled, clearly embarrassed.
"Ah…very stupid move."
Iruka face fell at the last statement while Ichi nodded sagely.
"I know it wasn't very smart of me to do that to a…a customer, but I couldn't just let him…" Iruka trailed off, uncomfortable by the unexpected turn of their conversation.
"I know. No one wants Hakkai to take them up the ass." Ichi stated crudely.
"Will I be punished for this?" Iruka asked out loud.
Ichi remained silent, unsure of the answer. He knew he should be straightforward and honest, but he really didn't want to worry Iruka. While he sealed his lips shut, Iruka patiently waited for his answer.
"I guess I'm taking your silence as an affirmative." Iruka answered glumly.
"You're a ninja. I'm sure after all the training you've gone through that this is nothing." Ichi said with confidence.
It was true that he was in peak physical condition, especially after all the training he had to endure to become a chuunin. However, Iruka was well aware of what his position entailed. Under the binding contract, he was required to sell his body, leaving him vulnerable to the abuse that could be inflicted. Physically, the pain wouldn't mean much; it would be like receiving painful wounds by enemy hands. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the mental torture he would have to endure.
He wasn't naïve about prostitution, but had a clear idea of what he would have to go through. His mind would be vulnerable due to the actions he would have to partake in. If his client was particularly harsh, he wasn't sure his mind could remain stable. Mentally, he was too weak to be able to endure this sort of torture for an entire year.
Because of those reasons, running away seemed to be very enticing, except it was no longer an option; he had nowhere to go. Under a binding contract, he was required to fulfill the deal he'd made. If he ran to Konoha, the village was honor-bound to return him to the Black Lotus. Either way, he'd lose in the end.
"Besides, I'm sure your village has a whole shinobi honor crap going; they'll probably send someone to fetch you out of here." Ichi said lightly.
What Ichi said was true…except they would get him out of the brothel to save him. The last thought pained him because he realized that he was a missing-nin. By abandoning the village without consent, he officially cut off all ties. Instead of saviors, hunter-nins would come to take him away. He sealed his fate by staying in the brothel.
"I'm a missing-nin. Whoever they send…is certainly not going to save me. In fact…they will have hunter-nins come after me." Iruka said softly, pain evident in his voice.
"What are you talking about? They wouldn't kill you or anything!" Ichi said nonchalantly.
"No, Ichi. When the hunter-nins come…they will kill me…"
Ichi couldn't believe a single word Iruka was saying. He remained silent, unwilling to voice any of his thoughts. Was this how the whole ninja honor code worked? Surely they'd send men after him in hopes of saving him! What Iruka was telling him was simply far-fetched.
"It doesn't matter. As long as they are protected, my fate is of no consequence."
"What do you mean by that? You saved Aiko didn't you? And if I remember clearly, she's stubborn and strong! If they send men to kill you, she'll find a way to save you."
"Aiko…How can you be so sure?"
"She hates feeling indebted to anyone. She feels like she owes you for freeing her. In return, she'll do something similar."
"Why? I did this so that she can escape! If she tries to save me, it'll be for nothing!"
Ichi's eyes narrowed nearly to slits as he clenched his fists. "Now you listen to me! Out of all those fool girls over there, Aiko has been the most sensible one out of the bunch. She has a good head on her shoulders and when she feels righteous about something, she'll do anything to get her way. She's grateful that you saved her. The least you could do is shut up and accept what she offers."
"I don't want her to come back to this filthy place."
"She's not some delicate porcelain doll! She's lived off the streets and survived in this hellhole! Gods! She's stronger than anyone I know! Even through all the shit that's happened to her, she's still so strong. Don't ever underestimate her."
"I know she's strong damn it! But she deserves better! I don't want her to get caught and sent back here!"
"I couldn't agree more, but you'd only piss her off if you said that to her. Just shut up and quit sulking. She's going to do what she wants to anyway! Even you wouldn't be able to stop her."
"I know…and I'm not sulking!"
"Feh…whatever."
"I really don't want her to save me. There's a chance that she could get hurt."
"Don't worry too much about her. She's a strong girl. If anything, she'll manage to survive."
"Gods, I hope whatever she's planning to do, that no harm comes her way." Iruka whispered.
"I said it once, and I'll say it again. She'll survive."
"I know."
I just hope she doesn't get hurt in the process. She survived, but that doesn't mean all her wounds have healed…
Author's Notes: Wow! Every single one of you guys have been patient. Sorry, sorry for not being able to update this chapter sooner, but it's just that I've been busy throughout the week. Juggling a job and multiple college applications is not very easy! Anywho, this chapter was hard to write simply because I was writing this and the chapter for the upcoming fic, Unfinished Sympathy. Seeing as to how the paths diverge, it was difficult to come up with different storylines. Thankfully, the end results seemed satisfactory. I hope this chapter was a good read for you patient people! This goes out to you reviewers!