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 needed backup.

TEN: HOUND'S DOGS

Iruka tapped lightly on the door to the room he and Sukea were supposed to have occupied for the duration of this vacation. He was already grumbling under his breath when Kakashi opened up, greeting him with his signature masked smile.

His complaint died on his lips, and he eased past him.

This was … different. Iruka wasn't sure where he stood with the elite jonin. Yes, on some level, they were the same man. But even though he could squabble and joke around with Sukea, even go so far as to share a bed, he wasn't sure Kakashi would welcome the same familiarity.

"Are you upset with me?" Kakashi inquired innocently.

"No." Because why should he be?

"Why should he be upset?" asked a gruff voice. "What'd you do, boss?"

Iruka needed to take another step into the room before he could see the pack of dogs lounging on the floor just beyond the bed. The speaker was a sad-eyed pug with a Konoha forehead protector and a blue cape bearing Kakashi's signature henohenomoheji.

Completely ignoring the pug's question, Kakashi gestured to the pack. "My nin dogs."

Introductions took a while, but Iruka respected the bond between ninja and their summons too much to rush things. He'd always sort of wanted an animal summon. Used to wish the Sandaime would help him form a contract with a monkey like he'd had with Enma. But that had only ever been a pipe dream.

Pakkun gruffly demanded, "What did he do?"

And because Iruka wouldn't have put off a summon any more than he would a curious pre-genin, he answered with simple honestly. "He checked to see if I could tell the difference between him and his clone. I couldn't."

The pug sniffed at Iruka's palm, then licked it. Rolling his eyes toward Kakashi, he said, "This one's real."

"Thank you."

Bull leaned into Iruka's side, nearly toppling him because of his sheer bulk. He snuffled in the vicinity of Iruka's belly, then gazed mournfully at Kakashi, who studiously ignored him. Iruka really wished he knew what kind of unspoken messages were flying between the dogs and their summoner, but maybe it was better he didn't. Right now, Iruka was satisfied to make friends while he could … and grateful for the opportunity.

Dropping to a seat on the floor, he coaxed Bisuke and Garuko onto his lap and quietly lavished them with affection. Shiba and Uhei flopped down within easy reach as well. The others seemed to be reserving judgment. Or maybe they were on alert and couldn't indulge.

Kakashi said, "I've been ordered to find out Orochimaru's reasons for being in Tide Country in general and Terranean in particular."

"How can I help?"

"Cover for me." Gesturing between them, he warned, "You'll be spending more time with clones. Don't let on how disappointed you are?"

It was the sort of light remark Sukea might make, but it landed differently coming as it did in Kakashi's deeper voice. Iruka smiled weakly and pointed out, "I won't know the difference."

"You'll be wondering, though, won't you?" Kakashi's tone was brisk. "Don't doubt the one you're with. You can't seem to hesitate … speculate … hold back. Kisame watches you closely. He'll notice any little alteration."

Iruka simply nodded.

Kakashi blew out his cheeks and rubbed at his hair. "You also need to know that I included Sasuke's presence in Terranean in my report."

He winced.

"I had to."

"I know."

"We didn't account for him in our plans," Kakashi said dully. "He's a variable now."

"I know. It just … feels like a betrayal."

"Oh, it's worse than that."

Iruka hugged the dogs closer, belatedly realizing that something must have changed if Kakashi needed so many more pairs of eyes. "Can I know?"

"Yes." His shoulders slumped. "It seems that a certain someone was worried about his precious person. So he was pestering the Hokage about your whereabouts at the same time my report arrived."

"Naruto," Iruka whispered.

"Naruto," he confirmed.

"Oh, nooo."

"Oooh, yes." Kakashi grimly said, "He's probably already blundering this way. Our time's short. My nin dogs and clones will stand lookout. We can only hope to intercept him and impress upon him the delicacy of your position and the need for secrecy. But …."

"But this is Naruto we're talking about."

"Our leisurely vacation may be scuttled. Do you have what we came for?"

"No." Iruka felt ill. "Itachi didn't want me rushing off."

"Maa, Sensei." His tone was light, but humorless. "See if you can persuade him otherwise."


End Note: originally posted on May 1, 2022. 762 words.