Chapter 4: Gut Feeling
Note: This story will have a court system/process based on the one in USA because that is where I am from and know the best. I've been having some writer's block so hopefully this didn't turn out too bad.
Sasuke was flipping through the many resumés that they had received for the bodyguard position. He was a little surprised at the number of people that were willing to protect him after what had happened had been broadcasted all over the news when Orochimaru had been arrested. Details had been leaked and so it was no secret who the protection was for when Uchiha Corporation had contacted a few agencies for interested candidates. It was one of the reasons why Orochimaru's lawyer had requested a change of venue to be tried in an area that might be less prejudice. His request had been granted due to the heavy news coverage in the district.
"Do you really think it was the best idea to attach the Uchiha name to the application? Won't that just attract Orochimaru?" Naruto had asked. He'd insisted on being there for the interviews and selection. He was worried about Orochimaru trying to plant a man on the inside, despite the fact that they had run rigorous background checks on every applicant and looked into all personal and work associates. "Like this guy, he seems too good to be true," he slid the folder to Itachi.
Itachi scanned the documents, also seeming skeptical, "He's right, he does seem too good."
Sasuke grabbed it from his hand and looked it over before tossing the folder in the trash, "Then don't bother with him." He looked up at the assistant helping with the interview process, "Please call him and tell him the position has already been filled." She nodded quickly before walking out of the room to call the man. They were doing one last review of the information that had been gathered before they started interviewing the men. While they didn't want anyone with a troubled background, they also were suspicious of anyone that looked too good to be true.
Once they had it narrowed down to five potential hires, they started interviewing. One by one the men came in, answering any questions and explaining anything questionable on their record. One in particular stood out to Sasuke, "Soma, tell me about this incident in Kuwait."
"That is supposed to be classified," he answered, looking surprised that the men knew anything about the mission he'd been on during his time in the military.
Itachi chuckled, "Nothing is classified to us." He had friends in high places that allowed him access to anything he asked for. While to some it may seem corrupt, Itachi said it was just business. Their company had a long list of contracts with the government, which the government couldn't afford to lose. While Orochimaru may have bribed the local police, Itachi had power in higher places. He had expanded the family business, specifically the technology sector with the best minds that money could buy. He provided technology that many people outside of the government didn't even know existed, with people that were far more loyal to him than they ever would be to the government. Most people didn't know about their business with the government, as it was highly classified.
"I'm pretty sure your file already tells you everything you need to know," Soma responded. The man would have seemed intimidating to anyone else. He was tall, muscular, and his face showed no emotion. He seemed cold, hardened by life. His looked practically screamed that he had once been a high up military man, dark hair cut short, face clean shaven, posture straight and good at evading questions. He had dressed to impress, a perfectly ironed suit, shoes that seemed brand new, and an expensive watch on his wrist.
Itachi hummed in amusement, "We both know it doesn't. It doesn't tell your side of things; you know, what really happened. Showing that you can evade questions and your attempt to look the part may impress some, but not me. Tell me what happened." Itachi may not be as muscular, but he had an aura of power that surrounded him. He was a different kind of intimidating.
The man looked at them, knowing he wouldn't get a job without providing an answer. "It was my last mission in the military. I made a mistake and lost some people that meant a lot to me, but that wasn't the real problem. The problem was the children who lost their lives because of my mistake, that was why I left the military and went to the private sector."
"What was the mistake?" Naruto asked, crossing his arms as he sized the man up.
"I underestimated someone. Made a promise to myself to never do that again. I won't let my guard down for one second, you never know who you can truly trust," he told him.
Itachi looked at him skeptically. It seemed like too rehearsed of an answer, "I'm sure that's what you told your superior at least."
He nodded, "Because it's the truth." There was a moment of silence as the two held eye contact as if it were a staring contest. "That day has played over and over in my head. I try to figure out how I didn't realize who he really was. It taught me a very important lesson."
"I'm sure it did," Itachi's face remained unreadable.
Once the interviews had been completed, they started discussing the candidates. There was one that did impress them all. Jona was ex-military with an honorable discharge and had done work in the private sector for years after taking some time to learn how to be a civilian again. He wasn't the most muscular, or even the most qualified, but he appeared to be genuine. He was the only one they all could agree on.
"There's something about Soma that just doesn't sit right with me," Itachi sighed as he thought about the man's evasive answers. "His answers were rehearsed and there was this look in his eyes that I don't trust," he told Sasuke. They had left the ultimate decision up to what Sasuke felt more comfortable with, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to try to change his brother's mind. He trusted his gut, it had lead him to where he was today.
Sasuke was stubborn, "The agency assured us these are their best and he's clearly the most qualified." He had the four remaining candidates spread out in front of him. He had a tendency to go with what looked best on paper over his feelings. He was exhausted after a long day of interviews, "I need to think about it."
"We have to make a decision tomorrow," Itachi told him. "Your safety is too important to keep putting this off," he wasn't backing down. He was concerned about Orochimaru. The man was clearly unhinged and had nothing left to lose after breaking out of prison.
Sasuke frowned, "I can take care of myself."
"Against anyone else I'd agree, but Orochimaru is different and you know it," the oldest Uchiha argued. They all knew it was true. It was normal for an abuser to have a different affect on the victim. "There's nothing wrong with that, it just means we have to deal with him differently from anyone else," he assured his brother, knowing the man hated feeling weak.
Naruto watched as the brothers argued, feeling like they were making no headway with the decision. "Let's just take tonight to think it over," the blond suggested. They needed to step away and not make any rash decisions. While he agreed with Itachi, he wanted Sasuke to feel as comfortable as possible with who they hired.
Itachi nodded in agreement. He had hoped the interview process would give him some sense of relief, but it only made him think more about the fact that Orochimaru had escaped. Between Orochimaru and his own relationship issues, Itachi was stressed and didn't want to make it worse by fighting with his brother, "Sasuke, we'll respect whatever you decide. I just want you to really think about it."
"I will," Sasuke promised.
That night Sasuke and Naruto ended up talking about the decision as they laid in bed. Naruto was trying to be comforting as he ran his fingers through Sasuke's hair. "Are you sure you don't want to listen to Itachi?" he asked when Sasuke had decided to go with Soma as the second bodyguard.
Sasuke sighed, "I think he'd be suspicious of anyone I choose. He's just being dramatic." The more he thought about it, the more he thought it would be best to go with who was the most qualified. "He has the best qualifications and you want me to be safe, I don't see what the problem is."
Naruto tried to give him a small, reassuring smile, "I trust you to make the best decision for you. I just want to make sure that you've really thought about it. Itachi is good at reading people."
Sasuke frowned as he ran his fingers over Naruto's chest in random patterns. He had thought about it and found it hard to make a decision, "The agency said they vetted everyone and we did our own background checks. He past both, so why not go with the most qualified? Or we could just not hire any bodyguards."
"That's not an option," Naruto scoffed. "Unless you want me to be unemployed and glued to your side, that's not going to happen."
Sasuke smirked, "Now you're making that sound like the best option."
"As much as I'd love to be with you all day every day, I do need a job," he told the other man as he shook his head.
"You really don't," Sasuke responded, reading him that Sasuke made more than enough to support the both of them. "But I understand that you want one," he sighed. Naruto wasn't qualified to truly protect him. He had no training with guns and Sasuke would never want him to put himself in danger to protect him. "I think Jona and Soma are the best choices," he decided. There was no changing his mind.
Naruto accepted Sasuke's choice, but made a mental note to keep an eye on the man. "Okay, but if at any time you feel uncomfortable with either of them, you tell me," he needed to know that Sasuke would come to him with any worries. "Nothing is too small."
"I will," he tilted his head so he could give him a reassuring kiss. "Don't worry."
"I'll always worry," he smiled softly.
The next day after informing the candidates of their decision, Soma could only smirk. His dark eyes met gold in triumph. "I got it," he confirmed. "It's amazing how well you predicted their questions," he told the other man.
"Itachi is predictable when it comes to Sasuke and Sasuke will always go with what's on paper," Orochimaru grinned. He poured them each a drink in celebration. "After today, you don't contact me until I contact you unless it's an emergency. Follow the instructions I've given you and you'll be greatly rewarded," he slid a large sum of money across the table. "This is just half, you'll get the rest once the plan is complete."
Soma reached for the money, counting the cash. Their communication had been completely untraceable. Orochimaru had found him through hacking the agency, making sure no one would suspect at thing. He'd been cautious when approaching him, making sure he had the upper hand. Soma had no issues taking the job. The truth was that he was the one someone underestimated during his time, but was able to twist the narrative. He had been paid by the enemy to feed them they information they needed and set up his best friend to take the fall. "Understood," he agreed.
Neither of them truly trusted the other, but agreed to work together. They both had plenty to lose. Orochimaru knew the truth about Soma's past and had documentation on it, while Soma knew his plan and could help find him. Turning on each other would mean the downfall of them both. "I'm glad we have an understanding."