By RequiemofDementia
Chapter Three: Job Interview From Hell
Riki was the only one of the three that seemed calm. The first tactic to prepare them for the coming interview had been to separate them from their sensei, and both Airen and Chie were rather nervous around the strangers. Riki, as usual, did not seem to care. You could change the surroundings, you could change the people, but Riki was a constant. Like a statue, Airen thought to herself.
Across from them, sat the first person that would be speaking with them. He did not look up at them, yet. Instead, his eyes were focused upon the papers before him. All they could see was his dark hair, his forehead protector, and the scar across the bridge of his nose.
After a moment, his eyes came up slowly, and Airen's blush was enough to put Chie to shame. Never before had she seen someone she considered so cute. "Umino Iruka," he said softly, by way of introduction. And then he stopped.
For a moment, the three sat in silent discomfort, before Chie's hesitant voice broke the silence. "Sen Chie." His face once again holding a merry pink to his cheeks.
Airen realized that this Iruka was waiting for them to introduce themselves. "Oh, sorry. Hitomi Airen."
The only response to come from Riki was another sullen grunt. Airen leaned closer. "That is Natsume Riki."
Iruka's head nodded slowly, as he leaned back a little in his chair slowly. "What do you know of being a ninja?"
And again, there was the uncomfortable silence. No one spoke. Airen trying to think of an answer to show wisdom, and impress Iruka, while Chie nervously fidgeted with the edge of the table. Both of them wondered if Riki was even awake.
"Nothing?" Iruka asked softly.
"Uh, no, not… Not nothing, as such…" Airen's cheeks felt as if they were on fire, as she tried to think of something. "But… in another way… yes…"
The ninja's lips slowly curled into a smile. "Very good. You do not know anything about being a ninja. I also doubt that your sensei does either."
And for the first time since he had arrived, Riki reacted. His large fist slammed down upon the table, his eyes narrowing in rage. His voice was soft, cold, as he spoke. "Do not disrespect Shinzui-sensei."
Iruka leaned back a little in his chair. Of course they were going to stick up for their sensei, he had mentioned that simply to see how strong their reaction would be. Shortly after Riki's outburst, the cold eyes still focused on Iruka, the shy little one spoke.
"I am sure… Riki-kun means… Shinzui-sama is an excellent teacher, and deserves respect." Airen nodded slowly in agreement with this.
Iruka leaned forward once more, slowly nodding to Riki. The motion caused the younger man to relax, a fraction. "I do not know Hitomi Shinzui, and it is not my place to judge his fitness. A ninja, however, always respects and supports their sensei."
Chie looked a little relieved at this, since Iruka was not mad at him for standing up for his sensei. Airen and Riki, however, seemed a little less quick to relax. In Riki's eyes, this man was sticking his nose where it did not belong, which was probably what had gotten him that scar in the first place. Airen knew why he was saying what he said, but that did not mean she liked it. A man that cute should not have to be deceitful.
"Hitomi Shinzui."
The named man stood calmly, directly across from Kakashi. The two men faced each other, perfectly calmly. Shinzui knew what was coming, but that did not mean he had to like it.
The moment was tense, the two ninja facing each other. Both looked ready to do serious damage here. Muscles tense, unblinking eyes focused upon each other.
"You will not beat me again, Kakashi."
The three younger people lined up before Iruka, and, at his instructions, began to perform the jutsu. It was a simple thing, that all ninja were expected to know, the ability to look like someone else. Chie was to become Airen, Airen to become Riki, and Riki had chosen to become Iruka, as looking like Chie was not something he was in a rush to do.
Three puffs of smoke rose up. And before Iruka stood three changed people. At first, he was not sure that Airen had changed at all, but then he realized that indeed she had, the Airen he saw before him was an almost perfect duplication. Next in line was a tall Riki. He wore a sword over his back, unlike the true Riki, however. Airen had changed to what she remembered of Riki, not what had been seated next to her. And then, Iruka saw himself. A disproportionately large Iruka, admittedly, but it was a start.
Shinzui's fist slashed out, swiftly, only to be captured in the iron grip of Kakashi. Hand captured, the missing-nin was forced to rely upon his feet, his body twisting as he leapt into the air, both feet coming for Kakashi's head. The silver haired ninja dropped down, releasing his opponent's hand. As Shinzui landed perfectly upon his feet, they were swept out from under him by Kakashi.
As Kakashi straightened, Shinzui had already flipped back up to his feet, the two men facing each other once more. "You will NOT defeat me, Kakashi."
It had taken Riki some time, and several attempts, but by the time he was done, Iruka could have used him for a shaving mirror. He was not going to, of course.
His assessment of the strangers complete, Iruka gathered his notes, and prepared to depart. "If you will wait here, word from the Hokage will come shortly."
As he left, Airen finally allowed herself to swoon. However, Riki did not reach to catch her, as she had expected. Chie had a difficult time saving her from a nasty trip to the floor.
Kakashi leapt over Shinzui's foot, as the man tried to sweep his foot out from under him. He landed lightly behind the other man, his hand quickly deflecting another kick from his opponent. Kakashi began to advance, forcing Shinzui back. His attacks came faster, and faster still, forcing Shinzui into the defensive.
And then came the moment they both knew was coming, Kakashi's fist met Shinzui's chest, knocking the man to the ground. The victor quickly dropped down onto the loser's chest, pinning him down.
The door to the room opened once more, Shizune opening it and stepping in slowly. Chie leaned forward expectantly, as did Airen. Even Riki went as far as to cock an eyebrow, showing more interest in this woman's presence than he had the whole rest of the trip.
"Congratulations," she said softly. "You have all been accepted."
Kakashi sat upon Shinzui, as he had once long ago, and exactly as he once had, when both had been young, he folded out Icha Icha Paradise, and began to read. The only different from now and then was that this copy of Icha Icha Paradise belonged to Kakashi, he had not taken it from the young man he had just beaten.
Author's notes.
I had wanted Shinzui to have close childhood ties with at least one established character, and who better then Kakashi!? And what better way for them to bond then by the stealing of Icha Icha Paradise?
Probably not my most brilliant idea, but if you don't like it... You didn't pay for it, so stop complaining. :D