It had been perhaps weeks since his enslavement in the brothel, but it felt infinitely longer. He bemoaned his fate, wondering how to best live out his new life. Snorting in an undignified manner, he knew he would never get out. Not until the debt was repaid. He still had quite some time until his time required in the Black Lotus could expire.
Squaring his shoulders, he knew it would do him no good to mope about the cells. After all, no client seemed to want his company. And if they did, they preferred to simply stare, enjoying his growing unease. Furthermore, he simply drove customers away by making rather rude facial expressions. If that didn't work, he didn't brush his teeth, hoping the stench of his breath could drive them away. With a growing sense of optimism, he set out to begin a new day.
Surprisingly, the days were filled with a flurry of activities he would have never thought possible. Clients rushed in and out of the elaborate gates, hoping to get a glimpse, a taste of the exotic women and men held within. But that occurred all the time, and became a matter of no consequence. Rather, what the clients had to say was essential. The Black Lotus was a breeding ground for gossips and rumors, news traveling at an alarming rate.
What would have taken specialized jounin months to uncover were revealed through careful seduction and word play. Iruka could only marvel at the wit and utter skill executed to have men of power reveal such confidential information. Listening to masterful manipulations was like watching an intense battle of wills, neither party willing to give in. However, with the addition of sex, all the rules changed, leaving the clients rather loose with their tongues. Such was the privy of men and their weak appetites. He could only look upon the clientele with scorn.
However, during the past few months, what was once bountiful news trickled into unimportant gossip. He was growing tired of hearing about the unconventional methods of the Hokage.
It wasn't until much later he learned of a truly disturbing news. Apparently, the Hokage had called for a rare Council. He knew how rare such meetings were, and immediately understood a monumental change was about to occur. After all, the Third had called for such Councils only twice during his term. Desperate for more information, he asked cell mates, fellow prisoners for further news. Despite running in circles, he always turned to his one reliable source: Ichi.
"Is the meeting happening tonight?" he asked anxiously.
Ichi eyed the fretting man before he said, "By now, the meeting's probably underway. Wouldn't be too surprised if it's coming to an end."
"Would you by any chance know what the Council is discussing?"
Ichi gave him a blank look. "What makes you think," Ichi said with a casual drawl, "that I even have a clue as to what's going on? I've been here, same as you."
"Then did you hear others speak of the event?" Iruka asked with intensity, his patience wearing thin.
Ichi seemed to be thinking rather hard about what to say next; Iruka knew the man was doing it just to annoy him to no end. Before the veins on his temple could pop out, Ichi relented with a slight sniker.
"I'll get back to you. Apparently, I'll be serving Lord Endo tonight."
"He's…he's one of the highest ranking officials within the Council! What would he want you for?" Iruka asked without thinking.
What would he want you for?
For a brief second, Ichi's pained eyes met Iruka's shocked expression. In that split moment, a rift had formed between them, a gap that would take some time to heal. Both parties knew exactly what had transpired with those naïve words.
Yes…what reason would someone have to want me? Ichi thought to himself. I'm always left on my own, left to fend for myself. Everyone I know, everyone I love…always leaves me in the end.
The silence extended itself throughout the room, and Iruka could feel the growing tension, the growing unease. The fragile friendship formed during such trying times was cracking. And he caused it.
Shame pervaded his body, his cheeks and neck growing red with his guilt. He knew he had no right to say such caustic words. He raised his eyes, hoping to see some semblance of the Ichi he had come to know. What he found was a hurt man, wounded by someone he had come to consider a valuable friend. His training had taught him that loyalty to his comrades was one of the most important traits any warrior should hold. Unfortunately, he had violated one of the most important codes he had learned at the academy.
"Ichi…it came out wrong. I…I never meant to say stuff like that. You know how awfully stupid I can be with words." Iruka tried to reason.
Ichi could see the sincerity in the young man's eyes, could hear the honesty reverberating in the words. He knew Iruka well enough to know that the young man would never want to hurt anyone, least of all his friends. Yes, those thoughtless words had hurt a great deal, but it would not do for either of them to dwell on it.
"It's nothing. First, I'm sexier than you'll ever be. Second, I can have a man do anything I want. Need I say more, my young grasshopper?" Ichi asked, his brow raising in question.
An olive branch was being extended and Iruka felt overwhelming gratitude. Perhaps, such an episode could only strengthen their friendship.
"Hey…I can be…sexy…" Iruka said, his voice growing smaller and his blush coming back in full force. He shuffled his feet from side to side, making himself rather adorable than the sex god he was hoping to be.
There was a rather uncomfortable pause before Ichi snickered. Iruka gave him a rude glare, which in turn, caused Ichi to only laugh out loud, and harder with each passing second.
"Yeah…you…sexy…right!" Ichi gasped out, laughing after each word.
"Shut up!"
"Okay…sexy…"
Hokage. And with such a grand title, she was dressed in the ceremonial robes. The white, silk cloth fluttered around her, giving the impression that she glided, rather than walked. Slashes of crimson revealed the true fire, the true colors of the Konoha village, a symbol she proudly embodied. The last symbol of her status was the rather humble hat she donned, created by one of the elders in the village. Emblazoned upon the straw hat was the character of Konoha. With simplicity and elegance, she was ready to face down the Council.
Her attendants carefully trailed behind her, ready to assist her in whatever she required of them. But today, tonight, she alone would do all that was necessary. Her proud carriage revealed her strength. The Council would be facing a worthy opponent.
Gilded, wooden doors slid open to reveal a circular enclave. Half of the circular dome consisted of raised, staggered tables in which the Council sat; their high position easily giving them the ability to stare down condescendingly. On either side of the Council were seats for important audience members. However, tonight, the seats were empty, making the Council even more imposing. She walked gracefully towards the center, the lone figure within the conspiratorial mess. The Council leaned forward eagerly, awaiting her proposal. She stood taller, and her proud carriage was noted with disappointment.
"You must be wondering why I have summoned you here tonight." Tsunade said softly, her quiet voice reverberating throughout the entirety of the room. The strength, the confidence could not be denied.
"Of course. It is rare for a Hokage such as yourself to require such a…meeting." Lord Sugita said, in a rather patronizing tone.
"On the contrary, such a meeting is essential, particularly regarding tainted matters. I fear that Konoha has reached a crossroads of sorts. And it seems that we have been negligent of our village."
A soft murmur ran throughout the Council and Tsunade could easily discern the emotion running throughout the crowd. She could see Lord Sugita's pupils blacken, his rage in tight rein.
A touchy subject matter is it not Lord Sugita?
"I'm afraid, judging by the utter confusion of the Council, that we do not understand what you speak of?"
"Then I shall oblige you with important information that has been withheld for far too long. It is of utter importance because it concerns inhumane operations. A certain trade that has lasted for perhaps centuries."
"You are treading on dangerous ground. I suggest you leave the matter as it is."
"I will do no such thing. The Third had gone through various lengths to see that the Triangle be dismantled."
"And what is the Triangle?" Lord Endo asked.
"Your ignorance is astounding. To put it forthright, it deals with the illegal trade of human slavery; it involves shipping young girls and boys, captured throughout rural lands, to brothels. They are helpless in the dark Underworld. Once taken, they are never heard from again. Of course, there are speculations regarding the disappearances of so many children. But such cases are never delved too deeply."
"Why, what a ridiculous lie! A very entertaining story, I assure you. But the story is far too…outrageous to believe!" Lord Sugita said, chuckling softly.
"Oh, I thought it was rather outlandish. After all, how could the respectable Konoha village be involved in such dirty trades. However, we forget that a respectable chuunin, Iruka, had vanished one night. Similarly, a woman had come to our village, seeking refuge. She had claimed to have escaped from the Black Lotus. Furthermore, she claimed that Iruka had set her free. These two individuals embroiled in such controversy is no coincidence. I feel we should look deeply into the matter." Tsunade retaliated.
"I'm afraid that we are currently in a crisis involving the recent chuunin exams. We are short on funds and manpower. To take on this dubious operation is absolutely ludicrous! How dare you bring up such a matter during delicate times!" Lord Sugita roared.
Tsunade's demeanor changed abruptly, her expression shadowed by the cone hat. Her stiff posture, and heavy aura emanating from her body signaled a rather tense atmosphere. It seemed the Council had realized, belatedly, that their disrespect had touched a nerve.
"You dare…to chastise me? Konoha's history runs in my blood, and I am the rightful heir to its legacy. Do you dare to look down upon me? I ask you, all of you, whether you have seen the carnage of battle. Have you experienced the maddening thrill of battle? Have you ever taken a life, and at the same time, have a piece of your soul taken as well? I ask you. And yet you answer me with silence!"
"We did not mean disrespect." a meek Lord Endo answered.
"No. You meant to overpower me. But I'm afraid you all forget…I am Hokage. I am the keeper of this village, and it is my duty to protect it. I will not have a Council corrupt by its own system trying to usurp my powers. Do you think you have any control in the matters regarding the state of this village? You are here to do my bidding."
"Now wait just one-"
Tsunade cut off Lord Sugita.
"I will assemble capable teams to infiltrate the Black Lotus. I will also send shinobi to scour the Konoha village and eradicate any organizations affiliated with the Triangle. I have no doubt that this operation will not eliminate the threat of slavery. However, such a significant blow will be enough to render the trade useless for quite some time."
"But Hokage-sama, we don't-"
"You speak out of line Lord Endo. We will go forth with this proposal. That is all. You are all dismissed."
The Council stood in shock as Tsunade gracefully exited the room. What was left of their powers was summarily dashed as the Hokage reclaimed what was rightfully hers.
The revolution was just beginning.
Ichi stumbled into his cell as he cradled his right wrist. Iruka was immediately at his side, his concern shining through. Ichi attempted to brush off the shinobi, but to no avail. It seemed the young man could easily become a nagging mother the minute someone close was injured.
"What happened to you?" Iruka demanded.
"I was stupid. That is all." Ichi answered.
Yes. Very stupid. Didn't know Lord Endo had it in him. The bastard…
"Did…did one of the guards beat you? Or your…your client? Was it Lord Endo?" Iruka asked, his voice going up a notch with rising concern.
Bingo. Didn't think you'd get the answer so quickly, Dolphin.
"Yes, if you must know. It was Lord Endo who…did this. Didn't know the rat-faced bastard could hit so hard."
Iruka paused before grabbing towels and a bowl of water. He walked towards Ichi, thinking of what to say next.
"Why would he hit you?"
"Oh, Iruka. Your innocence amazes even me." Ichi said softly.
Iruka softly wiped away the blood, considering Ichi's statement. Ichi always managed to say something or other that confused him to no end. After all, how could he be innocent in a brothel?
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It's a good thing, really. But you must realize, that we are all nothing more than prostitutes. Boy toys to pleasure all clients. We are nothing more than their slaves. If they want to hit me, they are entitled to it. If they want to abuse me, I can't refuse. I mean nothing because I have no value other than what pleasure I can bring them."
"Don't say that. You're worth more than any of these clients. You're not…you're not-"
"I am. End of discussion. Now…about that information you wanted so desperately."
Iruka pursed his lips, knowing full well that Ichi wanted to change the topic of the conversation. He knew that if he persisted, Ichi would just as likely clam up, never revealing the Council, or what had transpired with Lord Endo. For now, Iruka would let it go.
"Did…did Lord Endo tell you anything."
"Yes. He was too drunk with rage to stop his loose tongue. Apparently, our dear Hokage-sama has issued a special operation, where the Triangle will be dismantled. She has set an ultimatum with the Council. Basically, the shrew has claimed her rightful powers. And the Council has been stripped of its authority. That, and she's declared war on the illegal slave trade." Ichi said with relish.
"But that's great!"
"Yes. Yes, it is. I never thought I'd see the day when the Triangle is being challenged. She might weaken the trade enough to set most of us free. And she might deal a few blows, enough so that the trade can't become this big ever again."
"Think about it, Ichi. You might be free! We might be free when she succeeds!"
"Yeah…when she succeeds…no more Black Lotus." Ichi said wistfully.
"She will. She's sennin, powerful in her own right. I've never seen her fall. And I don't think she will this time either."
"Let's hope she doesn't. Because if the whole thing just blows up on her, then we're all screwed…and I am screwed in just about every sense of that word."
Iruka winced at the crude meaning, but knew well enough that Ichi was trying to drive the point home.
Freedom. We can be free…all of us…