Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this innocuous interlude. Oodles of respect for Masashi Kishimoto, the creative force behind Naruto. Please do have patience with me and with the ninja who may not be as prepared as he thinks.
Fandom Anniversary: The first two chapters of Cub Reporter were posted on September 22, 2021, marking a milestone (the aforementioned fanniversary) in my usual way—with storytelling. Watch for weekly updates. How do Wednesdays work for you? ::twinkle::
Author's Note: I write professionally, but I still dabble in fandom for fun. If you find yourself wanting more of my stories, there are lots. Check out my profile. Or visit me at ForthWrites dot com.
ONE: HISTORY REPEATS
Three months passed before Iruka was summoned to Torture & Interrogation.
"You have a mission." Ibiki tossed a single sheet of paper across the desk. "The place and time are set. You'll make contact with Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki of Akatsuki. At some point during your stay in Terranean, Itachi will pass you a message. Bring it back to Konoha."
Iruka scanned the particulars twice and frowned. "Will I be alone?"
"You'll be working with one of our informants, a photojournalist called Sukea. He'll find you." Ibiki's scowl was vaguely disapproving. "You leave the day after tomorrow."
"I'll be ready."
Iruka was eager to get packing, but Inoichi Yamanaka caught his elbow and touched a finger to his lips. Leading him into one of the empty interrogation rooms, the man said, "There's something we should discuss."
"Sir?"
"You know about Jiraiya?"
Iruka nodded once.
Inoichi went on. "This method—using Tsukuyomi to embed a message in your subconscious—is entirely different from how Itachi operated before."
"Yes, well … I don't have access to a Toad Sage's abilities." He shrugged. "Itachi's probably making do."
"From what I sensed during your debriefing, I'm inclined to say that Itachi is looking for greater … intimacy. Are you prepared for that eventuality?"
Iruka disagreed. "He needs sympathy. He needs a friend."
Inoichi cleared his throat. "He kissed you."
Jaw set, he kept his tone level. "I remember."
Did he mean inside the Tsukuyomi? That had been such a private moment, safe from prying eyes. But there had been a second one. So brief, almost an apology. Surely Inoichi could tell the difference between a kiss and … and a kiss.
At least he was being discreet in his concern.
The man tugged his long ponytail and sighed. "Is there anything you want me to know beforehand?"
"Yes." Iruka lifted his chin. "Long missions are the worst."
Immediately, those piercing blue eyes softened. "They are."
"If that's all …?"
"One other thing." Inoichi slowly lifted a hand and tapped his own forehead before pointing to Iruka's. "This change in methodology. It's smart. No one can intercept the messages unless they get to you. And since the information you carry is vital, your safe return is of tantamount importance."
Iruka knew the risks, but that didn't seem to be Inoichi's point.
"He's protecting you, Iruka." The jonin let his hands fall to his sides and stepped back. "I've seen it before. It's not uncommon."
"Of course friends protect one another."
Inoichi's smile was pitying. "Itachi lives in a different headspace, Iruka. Your psychological profiles are worlds apart. And his motives may not be quite so noble."
"You just said he's protecting me," Iruka countered. "That's good."
"Or self-serving." Inoichi remained calm, which made him sound devastatingly reasonable. "You need to be aware that he may only be protecting what he considers his."
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Don't dismiss my warning simply because you don't want me to be right." He huffed out a breath, and his tone shifted. "I've been doing this for a long time, Iruka, and I stand by my assessment. Be careful."
End Note: originally posted on September 22, 2021. 520 words.
