Chapter 10
Kakashi thrust chidori into the man's chest and twisted it sharply, the bald man twitched and then fell limp. Kakashi pulled the blade back and blocked a dagger that was thrown at him. In all the commotion it was hard to tell the difference between ally and enemy. The battle had raged for a few hours and fatigue was starting to get to all of them.
'Ibiki wasn't kidding when he said they were skilled,' Kakashi thought dryly, even Kakashi who was a incredibly talented sword fighter had trouble with them.
He saw a man holding a double sided sword sneaking up on his blonde teacher and was about to jump in when the blonde incapacitated him easily.
"Don't look so surprised, I taught you everything know," Minato grinned. Kakashi smirked and continued to hack away, they hadn't seen Kyuubi yet and Sakumo was starting to worry.
"Ibiki! Status!" Sakumo barked. The scarred man kicked a man to the ground with his large boot and turned to the king.
"No sign of Kyuubi or Orochimaru but we have cut through a large chunk of their forces," Ibiki reported. Sakumo nodded and kept fighting, his thoughts drifted to the castle and his husband. He couldn't shake a ominous feeling that enveloped him. The troops were driving the remaining men back into a corner and tying them up so they wouldn't cause trouble and the allies cheered happily.
'We have nearly secured this area …. But why do I feel so sick?' Sakumo thought.
Hiashi dropped down onto the roof and peered into the warehouse through the skylight, the hostages were tied up, gagged and blindfolded in the middle of the room. A group of 20 burly men patrolled in dark scaly clothing with long spears, a fake snake armband was wrapped around each bicep.
'Orochimaru's men,' He thought, he signalled to the anbu and nodded for them to look inside.
"Orochimaru's subordinates, they'll know some kind of magic if they work for that snake sorcerer," Itachi warned. The sun had just set so it gave the ninjas an advantage.
"Take them out silently and don't alert the other guards, the last thing we need is a full fight when innocents will get in the way," Hiashi ordered. He held up a hand and counted down on it, in a flash the ninjas had split up and entered the warehouse through various windows.
Sasuke stuck to the shadows, silently thanking the anbu mask for hiding his sharingan from his victim's sights. He knew the others were probably using their Byakugans and Itachi would feel confident enough not to use his sharingan. He could see the others getting into position and they waited for their signals. Itachi's man was the first to go, his patrol led him into a dark corner and the lithe Uchiha rammed a long senbon into the top of the light haired man's skull, killing him instantly. Itachi hoisted the man over his shoulder and disposed of the body outside, he could carry him easily despite the corpse being a seme. Sasuke would usually have stared in awe at the skill his brother displayed but his prey was moving closer to him.
The pregnant Uchiha had been unconsciously careful about training, he still trained but he preferred to read up on new techniques instead of sparring. He was dying to try this new fireball technique he'd been studying but he knew it was too flashy in this situation. Chakra was only recently discovered and they were still learning how to harness it, Orochimaru was the first to discover it and he was called the 'Snake sorcerer' because it was believed to be magic.
The man walked under the platform that Sasuke was crouching on and the raven took his chance. He pulled out some wire and lay down on his stomach, he checked he wasn't being watched and he leaned down. He hooked the wire around the man's neck and lifted him off his feet, the man struggled and Sasuke waited for him to fall limp. Sasuke pulled him up onto the platform and checked the unconscious man's pulse, he usually could kill easily but something inside him told him to be merciful.
'The only one I'm killing tonight is Kyuubi,' Sasuke smirked. The guard dropped like flies until only 5 remained.
Hyuuga Hanabi took a deep breath, it was his first official mission and the 15 year old was nervous. His target crawled closer and Hanabi pull out his kunai and watched the bald man walked by him, he stepped out of the shadows and grabbed the man. He slit the throat and and stepped back into the shadows, his hip bumped a crate and the glass bottle on top of it fell to the floor.
**_Crash!_**
Hanabi's breath caught as the remaining men turned towards him, a tall lanky man pointed his finger at the Hyuuga and a chakra bullet shot out, tearing through his leg. Hanabi didn't make a sound, he knew he had dishonoured his family enough.
"Attack!" Hiashi commanded and all the anbu jumped in to get rid of the guards. The battle was swift but that didn't prevent injuries, one anbu member was knocked out and Sasuke's left shoulder was bleeding heavily. He had taken a chakra bullet and he was having trouble getting his fingers to move on his left hand.
"Shit," Sasuke cursed. Itachi began looking over him instantly and Sasuke rolled his eyes, he let his brother dress the wound and ignored the reprimanding look.
"_This_ is you being careful?" Itachi said sceptically. Hanabi tore his mask off in anger and threw it against a nearby wall, he couldn't believe he had done something so stupid. Hiashi and 2 others untied the hostages and they were shocked to find a noble with them, the other hostages were farmers or workers.
"Aburame Shibi? What are you doing here?" Hiashi questioned. The stoic man stood up and adjusted his high collared shirt.
"I was out on the borders collecting some insects," Shibi shrugged and Hiashi mentally face-palmed.
'Of course he was. Why did I even bother to ask?' Hiashi thought.
"Shouldn't you be attending to your son?" Shibi nudged and Hiashi saw Hanabi was bandaging his ankle hastily, his white eyes were glued to the floor in shame. For some reason this made Sasuke feel angry, he walked over to the younger man and started to pull the bandages away.
"Stop acting like a child and let me tie it properly, you're not doing it right and it could hinder you. It's the difference between walking and running," Sasuke explained calmly. He adjusted the bandages while Hanabi watched suspiciously.
"And I suggest you stop looking at the floor, it was your first mission so there is nothing to be ashamed of. You learned an important lesson," Sasuke continued.
"Tell that to my father," Hanabi muttered darkly.
"He is not angry with you. He will be angry with you if you continue to act remorseful over something that is not a big deal. Be strong and he will respect you for it," Sasuke advised. Hanabi thought a moment and nodded happily, Sasuke finished fiddling with the white stripes and stood up.
"Sorry for making you do that, is your shoulder okay?" Hanabi asked.
"It's fine, I needed to do something that would make me use my fingers. A test of my movement range," Sasuke said professionally, Hanabi nodded with starry eyes. Sasuke reminded him of Neji, the closest thing he had to a big brother.
Itachi stood beside Hiashi with a knowing smirk.
"And he said he would be a bad father," Itachi shook his head, Hiashi snorted as the older Uchiha pulled his mask off.
"I suspected as much. Neji showed the same subtle signs and your excessive fussing over him made it obvious," Hiashi said smoothly. Itachi nodded and his dark eyes bore into Hiashi's mask.
"Not a word," Itachi warned coldly.
"It's not my place," Hiashi replied.
Hanabi walked over to his father with his head held high.
"I apologise for my mistake, it won't happen again," Hanabi recited. Hiashi turned away from Itachi and nodded approvingly.
"It is forgiven, your injury…?" Hiashi started but Hanabi interrupted.
"...is minor and won't affect my work," Hanabi said proudly. Hiashi smiled behind his mask and rested a hand atop Hanabi's dark hair.
"I'm glad," Hiashi complimented.
"Okay we need to escape quickly before more men arrive, we will take you all to the castle," Hiashi said loudly. The people jumped to their feet and followed the head ninja's orders.
Itachi and Sasuke walked at the back of the group so Itachi could try to convince his younger brother to stay at the castle.
"You need medical attention, proper medical attention," Itachi corrected himself.
"I don't. We are so close to Kyuubi that I can smell it. I refuse to let this opportunity pass," Sasuke snarled. The wound only increased the adrenaline that ran through his body, making him hunger for blood and revenge.
"I'll capture Kyuubi and bring him to you," Itachi offered but Sasuke waved him off.
"This pregnancy does not make me an invalid, I will kill that bastard," Sasuke snapped. Itachi knew he was deadly serious, Sasuke hated vulgar language and often scolded Naruto for it.
"You're pregnant?" A shocked voice whispered from behind the brothers. They looked back and saw Hanabi walking with an open mouth. Itachi quickened his pace and Sasuke growled at being left alone with the Hyuuga.
"Hn," Sasuke answered. No words were spoken between them and Sasuke was about to sigh in relief, he thought he had got away with it….
"I want to be pregnant too," Hanabi smiled. Sasuke blinked a few times and raised an eyebrow at the teenager, Hanabi had fallen into step with him.
"What?"
"Neji is the best person in the world and he's pregnant. You're awesome too and you're pregnant. There has to be a pattern," Hanabi said logically. Sasuke bit his tongue, he was tempted to laugh at the innocent trail of thought.
"Yeah but Neji and I were both awesome before we got pregnant too," Sasuke pointed out. Hanabi hummed in thought and Sasuke caught Itachi looking at him with a you-are-good-with-him-so-you-must-be-a-good-parent look.
'Baka Aniki,' Sasuke thought.
Lee raced forward, dodging between the corpses of allies and enemies until he spotted the king.
"King Sakumo! We need help!" Lee yelled frantically. Both silver haired royals turned to the green knight.
"What is it Lee?" Sakumo demanded.
"Orochimaru and Kyuubi were with the other group! Orochimaru summoned a large snake and it released venom into the air, sending everyone to sleep and nothing will wake them up. They're still breathing, I'm not sure why they left me awake. They said 'they had bigger fish to fry' and they're heading for the inner city and the castle," Lee said quickly. Ibiki thrust the side of his fist into a tree with a cry of frustration.
"Those who are healthy enough! Return to the inner city and protect the castle!" he roared, the men saluted and rushed off. Naruto turned to his father with worried blue eyes, Minato had a nasty gash on his forehead and he already knew what Naruto would say.
"I won't stay here, I have to see Kyuubi," Minato's voice slurred slightly and Kakashi helped guide him over to a tree stump.
"And do what? In this state he'd kick your ass," Kakashi said bluntly. Minato would have glared if it didn't hurt him so much.
"Listen to the pervy prince dad, I'll deal with uncle. We can't let him hurt innocents or get to the castle. What about Iruka-sensei? Obito-sama? Neji-kun?…. And mom," Naruto's tactics worked and Minato slumped against the tree in defeat.
"Fine. I'll stay here to guard the prisoners, Go… quickly," Minato urged. The men nodded to the blonde and made their way towards the castle.
Hiruzen entered the 5th Kage's office with a unreadable face, inside was two Kages and 2 guardians. Tsunade and Chiyo were deep in conversation while Jiraiya watched over the busty redhead that was working on the blank card.
"Try to grope me once more and I swear to god I will castrate you Jiraiya," the woman threatened. Jiraiya backed away instantly, the woman was the guardian of the all female dimension so she didn't appreciate men at all.
"So mean Kushina-chan. Ah Hiruzen!" Jiraiya grinned roguishly. The older man rolled his eyes at Jiraiya's behaviour, he hadn't changed since they first became guardians.
"What's happening with the card? Kyuubi has attacked Konoha and I fear for his motives," Hiruzen said stepping closer to the desk. Kushina used several strange tools on the blank card but didn't acknowledge the new man in the room.
"I did some digging around…." Chiyo trailed off and Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.
"It's forbidden for us to get involved too much or change anything drastic so I hope you were careful Chiyo-sama," Hiruzen said.
"I'm always careful, anyway Kyuubi knows Iruka is in that dimension and I think that's why he has decided to attack now," Chiyo said sternly.
"That's odd," Kushina commented, she squinted down at the card and scratched her head. Tsunade was by her side instantly and she leaned over.
"What is it Kushina-san?"
"This card is blue,"
"Blue? Not it's not, it's got a purple back,"
"No it's definitely blue and it's enchanted with a chakra spell,"
"I checked it for chakra and found nothing,"
"The chakra had already been released…. Probably by Iruka-san. It must have been a verbal spell and he must have said it aloud, that released the chakra and weakened the mirror," Kushina explained.
"Kabuto, he sent the card through the mirror. It weakened the barrier and Iruka was able to pass through. Case closed," Hiruzen said happily.
"Not closed. An enchantment wouldn't be able to pass through the mirror not even with the stars weakening it," Tsunade said seriously.
"I can shed some light on that," Kushina spoke up. She gestured to the card and picked up a hook like tool, it resembled a dentist's tool. She charged it with chakra and started scraping away at the purple back of the card, small specks of red flaked off and Jiraiya picked a bit up.
"It was painted with red paint? That makes sense, a blue card + red paint = purple card," Jiraiya grinned. Kushina fought the urge to slap the irritating man.
'He's old Kushina, be nice,' She told herself.
"It's not red paint, it's blood," She confessed. The room was silent and Hiruzen was the first to figure it out.
"Kyuubi took a bottle of Iruka's blood from the massacre. He painted the card with Iruka's blood so it would pass through the mirror. Weakening it enough for someone to pass through," Hiruzen whispered. Tsunade tugged on her long hair with wide eyes.
"But that means…."
"Kyuubi intends to take over my Konoha and then go through the mirror and conquer Jiraiya's," Hiruzen said clearly.
"He's ambitious for a psychopath," Chiyo said dryly.
"We have to cancel the original mission, he can only meddle so much and this current disaster needs our attention," Jiraiya begged, Tsunade looked off for a moment before shaking her head.
"It wasn't my decision to make Jiraiya, the other Kages - Chiyo included, decided it. Chiyo you have more leverage then me, call off Mission Iruka," Tsunade said softly. Chiyo smirked and cackled happily.
"No, I have a way that both missions can be completed but you need to listen carefully," Chiyo planned.
Iruka collapsed onto his bed and rubbed his eyes, he had worked non stop for hours and he had snuck away for a quick nap.
'This is not how I planned on spending my last day here. Stupid Kyuubi,' Iruka thought. He stretched, curling his toes and yawning loudly.
"I hope they're okay," Iruka told the room. His hands clenched in the silk sheets and he brought them up to his lips, silk sheets would always remind him of when he awoke next to the prince.
'Although I probably wouldn't mind it too much now," Iruka thought and he gulped.
'I didn't just think that….. Oh god, he's turned me into a pervert. I'll kill that baka prince,' Iruka thought angrily, after all anger was a good way to deal with denial. Iruka's eyes drifted shut and he relaxed into the soft mattress. The door opened quietly and someone slid inside, shutting the door softly behind him.
"Here's where you got to Iruka," A silky voice said, Iruka's eyelashes fluttered a few times before he focussed on the intruder.
"Mizuki-kun, it's nice to see you. Shame the situation isn't as nice," Iruka smiled, he pushed up on his elbows and watched Mizuki walk forward.
"It's nice to see you too Iruka, I'm glad you haven't left yet," Mizuki purred. Iruka couldn't put his finger on it but something felt different about Mizuki's attitude. The brunette sat up properly and frowned at his friend.
"Aren't you meant to be working on armour and weapons?" He interrogated.
"I am but I was just on my way to open the main gate," Mizuki smiled. Iruka's eyebrows furrowed and he set his feet on the floor.
"But why would you do that? That would make us vulnerable to attack," Iruka laughed nervously. Mizuki stood above the sitting teacher with a vulture-like smirk.
"I'm tired of manipulating you, you're so trusting that it's no fun. I take what I want," Mizuki's voice took on a dangerous edge and Iruka looked around the room for his grandfather's kunai.
'Something's not right!' Iruka's brain warned but Mizuki had already attacked. Iruka found himself pinned to the bed by the larger body as the man leaned closer to him.
"Mizuki stop! What are you doing!" Iruka yelled. The grey haired man bit harshly on Iruka's ear and the uke whimpered in pain, a single tear fell from the corner of his eye.
"So pretty, so naive," Mizuki drawled fanatically. Iruka struggled against him but it only made Mizuki laugh.
"I was so surprised when Kyuubi-sama said he knew you," Mizuki said. Iruka stopped struggling and he found it hard to breathe.
'He's working for Kyuubi…. Oh Mizuki why?' Iruka thought helplessly.
"But you will be mine, he promised. Because when he kills all the nobles…. I get to be in power, Orochimaru-sama will be king but he has no heir so I'll be the prince and you….." Mizuki nuzzled the tanned neck.
"My consort," Mizuki said gleefully. Iruka growled and tried to pull out of Mizuki's vice like grip.
"I won't…. I'm going home," Iruka yelled, hoping someone would hear his cries.
"Oh no, you won't be the one going through the mirror tonight," Mizuki said seriously. Iruka's skin crawled and he tried not to retch, having Mizuki so close felt wrong.
"W-what do you mean?" Iruka said bravely.
"Kyuubi-sama will go through the mirror, he still has some blood left over from painting that tarot card," Mizuki confessed. Iruka's eyes were wide with fear and Mizuki licked his lips at the arousing sight, the two innocent umber eyes were one of the things that attracted Mizuki most.
"He brought me here…. So he could get through the mirror again," Iruka realised. Mizuki, tired of his beloved talking about someone else, bit down hard on his ear again. Iruka cried out and he felt warm blood trickle down his neck.
"You're so beautiful when you bleed my dearest," Mizuki blew against the bloody trail before moving up to Iruka's face again.
"I claim you as mine," Mizuki said possessively. The distance between their lips shortened and Iruka felt the breath ghosting across his lips and the tears fell faster.
'No…. Don't touch me,' Iruka begged. Mizuki's lips were about to touch Iruka's when he heard the small whisper.
**"Kakashi,"**
Mizuki's nails dug painfully into Iruka's wrists and Iruka looked defiantly up at his captor. Mizuki chuckled quietly, his bangs covered his eyes as the laughter grew in volume.
"Thinking of him?" Mizuki's voice dripped with mock sweetness. Iruka kept his mouth shut, Mizuki was unpredictable.
"But you're mine, I won't give you to him," Mizuki's voice sounded almost lost and Iruka felt his sympathy growing. Mizuki couldn't have had it easy in life if he preferred following a serial killer. All the sympathy left him when he crashed his lips on Iruka's and forced his tongue inside, Iruka bit down hard on the appendage and Mizuki pulled back with a hiss, blood dribbled from the corner of his lip.
"Don't touch me," Iruka's voice was ice cold.
"You'd let me if I was him," Mizuki snarled, he had thought his hatred for the prince couldn't grow but he had proved himself wrong. Iruka had enough of being weak and helpless, it reminded him too much of his family's death.
"You could never be him," Iruka smirked. Iruka could see the anger building in Mizuki's eyes and he persisted.
_"You aren't as funny as he is, you can't make laugh like he can,"_
Mizuki's grip tightened until bloody crescents were branded in Iruka's skin.
_"You aren't as sweet as he is, you can't comfort me like he can,"_
The seme's teeth gnashed together and he started to breathe heavily.
"You aren't as hot as he is, he's perfectly toned with the softest skin and richest eyes and...,"
Mizuki released a hand from holding Iruka down and pulled it back, ready to slap the brunette. Iruka took his chance, he broke out of the weakened hold and kicked Mizuki to the floor. Iruka sprang up with the sheets in hand and threw them over the seme, he pinned Mizuki beneath it and started calling for help.
Shino and Mashimizu burst in and saw the tearful Iruka struggling to hold Mizuki down.
"Iruka what's going on?" Mashimizu shouted and Shino rushed forward, he had already grasped the situation.
"Mizuki…. W-working for Kyuubi… tried to…. force…." Iruka was trembling from the experience, it had finally hit him how bad the situation could have got. Mashimizu helped Shino restrain the grey haired man, they tied him up with the sheets and watched him writhe in anger.
The Uminos left Shino to guard Mizuki and they walked to the labs, the researchers fussed over the bitemarks but Mashimizu dismissed them. He dabbed the wound with a wet tissue and Iruka tried not to wince.
"Why didn't I see it?" Iruka asked.
"You're too trusting," Mashimizu smiled genuinely, Iruka inherited his mother's sunny outlook on life, even after the tragedy.
"He said the same thing to me," Iruka laughed.
"It's not a bad thing, you just need someone to steer you right occasionally," Mashimizu reassured. He wanted to tear the evil man's head off and feed it to a crocodile for hurting Iruka but he knew his nephew needed him. His eyes drifted to the clock, 5:15 p.m.
'Maybe he's safer at home, it's a war zone here and even when we're in the same dimension…. I still couldn't protect him,' Mashimizu thought. He pulled out a plaster and covered the still bleeding wound, it was a blemish on the otherwise perfect skin.
"Where's Kaname and Hoshi?" Iruka gasped and the professor smiled.
"Safe house with the others, don't worry. They're safe," Mashimizu said seriously. The doors slammed open and the dark haired king rushed inside.
"I heard about the spy! I need to know the details," Obito said, he walked over to Iruka and the brunette recounted the story. Obito traced the bloody plaster on Iruka's earlobe and he growled in the back of his throat.
"How dare he think he could mark you as his own! Kakashi will want his head, I want his head!" Obito shouted.
"How are you feeling?" Shino said walking into the room, he had thrown Mizuki in the dungeon and he knew Obito would give a harsh punishment.
"I feel sick…. Don't worry, I won't throw up. My stomach just feels like the sea in a storm," Iruka laughed.
"No wonder, how dare he think he could touch you…." Obito raged.
"It's not that….. I trusted him, I thought he was my friend," Iruka sighed. Obito ran his hand through Iruka's hair, the band had snapped when Iruka defended himself against Mizuki. Iruka leaned into the comforting touch and Mashimizu smiled at the pair, he had seen Obito doing the same thing to Kakashi when he was a child.
"Betrayal is bittersweet. It's for the best because you finally know the person's honest motives and you won't be used or strung along anymore but the memories of all the good times taint your opinion," Obito said wisely. Iruka could see the genuine care in Obito's eyes even through the tinted goggles.
The doors opened again and Deidara ran in, his golden hair flowing behind him and both eyes were panicked.
"Heika! Kyuubi and Orochimaru are heading this way with a fairly large number of troops. They must have split during the battle," Deidara exclaimed. The researchers jumped into action, gathering any weapons they could use and Obito wrung his hands evilly.
"He's heading this way? I'll kill him and his snake pet," Obito stood up and looked up at Mashimizu.
"Will you fight beside me like old times Mashimizu?" Obito asked politely.
"I will always fight to protect Konoha and fighting by your side would be an honor Obito," Mashimizu grinned. It was rare for them to be so casual with each other but going into battle with your friend was more effective than going in with an ally.
"I want to help but I'm hopeless with a sword," Iruka said.
"You've had a shock, you should rest," Mashimizu suggested but Iruka shook his head violently.
"I have to meet Hiruzen-sama in 30 minutes, I have to leave then and I won't sit about and do nothing with the time I have left," Iruka said nobly. The older men nodded proudly and Obito turned to Deidara.
"What are we doing?" The goggled king asked and Deidara cleared his throat.
"Sasori has reinforced the main gates with his puppet strings so it'll hold longer and I've rigged up a little 'surprise' in case they break through the outer wall," Deidara smiled, Obito grinned approvingly and gave him a thumbs up.
"To arms, we will defend this castle. Our residents are in safe houses behind the castle so we need to stop them here or our loved ones are in danger," Obito's speech made the men eager to act. They left the room to gather up the others who could help them.
"Iruka-sensei go see Hiruzen-sama, he'll be by the mirror. There must be something he can do, I know he can't interfere but he must have some idea about how to help," Obito said. Iruka bowed and fled the room, his brain trying to remember the path to the mirror.
The espionage team moved quickly, they wanted to dump the people at the castle and join the fight, they wanted to get rid of whoever was disrupting the natural balance of things.
The trees beside them rustled and they pulled out their respective weapons, a blonde tumbled through the bushes with a loud wail.
"Itai! Why would a tree leave it's roots just laying there!" Naruto whined. Hiashi frowned as the soldiers emerged into their clearing.
"Heika? What are you all doing this way?" Hiashi asked. Sakumo wiped the sweat from his brow and checked everyone was still with them.
"Kyuubi deceived us, he's headed for the castle with Orochimaru. We have to move fast," Sakumo ordered. The other group bowed and the entire army moved forward. Naruto spotted Sasuke and ran over to him.
"Sasuke! God what happened? Are you okay? Who did it?" Naruto asked quickly. Sasuke rolled his eyes but he couldn't help smiling when the tanned fingers brushed the red stained bandages gently.
"I'm fine Naruto, I'm not a child," Sasuke sneered. The blonde cupped his pale cheek with a loving look.
"I'm so happy you're okay. Not that I doubted you, you're strong and I trust your abilities," Naruto added quickly, his lover's temper had been sensitive recently. Uncharacteristic tears gathered in the dark eyes and Sasuke turned away quickly.
'Stupid pregnancy hormones,' He scolded.
"I know. I'm happy you're okay too but where's Minato-sensei?" Sasuke said. He swallowed down the tears and turned back to his boyfriend.
"He got hurt so we left him behind to recover, he'll join us later," Naruto's voice was laced with worry and Sasuke sighed.
"Let's get Kyuubi first and then we can help your father," Sasuke said following after the group.
"And help you, that looks painful," Naruto slipped his hand into Sasuke's and the raven blushed. He looked around but Itachi was the only one watching them, a glare from Sasuke fixed that situation.
"It doesn't hurt so stop worrying dobe," Sasuke said indifferently.
**BOOOOOOOM!**
The floor beneath Iruka quaked and the chandeliers that were dotted along the hallway swung about, losing some of the shiny glass jewels on them.
"That must be Deidara's surprise," Iruka smiled. He had really got to know everyone and he knew how extravagant Deidara could be.
"Why do something in a boring way when you can do it with a bang!"
Iruka shook his head at the memory and continued forward, the explosion meant they had breached the outer wall. He had only a few minutes before they reached the castle grounds and the mirror.
'I have to do something,' Iruka thought frantically, he saw a sword mounted on the wall and he bit his lip.
"Vandalise a display or die… hmmmm,' Iruka thought. He pulled the sword off the wall and it dropped to the floor with a clang. It was heavy and Iruka could only just lift it up, he dragged the weapon along the floor, ignoring the sound of it destroying the polished marble.
'Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, Sorry,' Iruka apologised in his head.
He finally made it outside, still clinging to the sword. He stood in a grassy field and scratched his head, he couldn't remember what path he'd taken but a familliar laughter echoed through the dark sky. Goosebumps erupted on Iruka's skin and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up in fear, he didn't want to look.
"Iruka, long time no see," Kyuubi sang. Iruka finally gathered the courage and he stood up tall, he could pretend he wasn't scared but Kyuubi could see through him easily. Kyuubi was leaning against a thick tree trunk with the same sadistic look he wore when he scarred Iruka.
"Missed me?" Kyuubi smiled and Iruka snorted.
"Like a hole in the head," Iruka responded, Kyuubi's eyes were amused at the answer and he laughed again.
"You are very refreshing Iruka and so helpful. You've saved time, instead of me having to come find you. You came towards the mirror and that is wonderful," Kyuubi stepped forward and Iruka brought the sword forward, it glinted in the moonlight and Kyuubi smirked.
"Decoration I see? You couldn't wield that," Kyuubi exposed but Iruka held his ground.
"But it is sharp…. You see I used up most of your blood on that nice little card I sent you so I need a refill," Kyuubi showed Iruka the small glass bottle where a single drop of crimson lay.
"You know what they say? Better safe then sorry," Kyuubi advanced and Iruka dropped the sword in shock. He backed up but Kyuubi was faster, he held Iruka up by his throat and watched the air being stolen from his lungs. Iruka grabbed at the air, his hands trying to hit or scratch anything they came into contact with but black and white spots danced across his eyes. His hands dropped to his sides and he tried to inhale but Kyuubi's strong hand prevented it. Iruka's lungs burned with a need for air and his legs flailed and tried to kick the man, Kyuubi didn't flinch and he wait for the kicks to die down. The redhead watched in awe as light faded from Iruka's expressive eyes.
"You know if you weren't the key to the mirror I might have taken you as my own," Kyuubi said idly. Iruka's lips curled back in a snarl and Kyuubi laughed, the teacher still had some fight in him even when he was dying. The force of his hand increased and he was seconds from crushing Iruka's windpipe.
_Slice!_
The kunai shot out of the canopy of a tree and slashed across Kyuubi's wrists, he dropped Iruka with a cry of pain. Iruka gasped and spluttered as the air slowly returned to his lungs, he almost didn't hear his saviour drop down from the tree and pull his sword.
"Prince Kakashi, it is an honour," Kyuubi said sarcastically. Iruka looked at Kakashi and shrank back, he was seriously pissed off. His sharingan was activated and his sword sparked with lightning, the aura around him was dark and threatening. Kyuubi tried to ignore the searing pain in his wrists and his evil eyes caught sight of the shining metal sword.
"Ah Chidori, you grandfather's sword…. And you even figured out how to channel lightning chakra into it," Kyuubi praised but Kakashi wasn't paying attention to him.
"You're going to die for killing my family…. And his," Kakashi looked at Iruka and the dark aura dampened. Even the sharingan eye softened slightly.
"Are you okay?" Kakashi asked. Iruka couldn't form words but he nodded in response.
"Aww how sweet. I had no idea you liked our little Iruka-chan, this changes everything," Kyuubi smirked. He took a single step towards Iruka and Kakashi growled warningly, the oldest man threw his head back and bellowed with laughter.
"How fun," Kyuubi commented.
"Our army is fighting yours, you're drastically outnumbered. Surrender and take you punishment like a man," Kakashi said.
"I will never surrender. Now if you'll excuse us _Heika_, Iruka and I must be off," Kyuubi sneered. Iruka coughed and glared up at the villain.
"B-but you s-said…." Iruka rasped and Kyuubi glowered down at him.
"That was before I knew how…. Attached the playboy prince was to you," Kyuubi interrupted. Kakashi was tired of hearing Kyuubi's voice and he darted forward, sword in hand ready to kill. Kyuubi pulled out a long black Katana and blocked the weapon, the swords clashed and sparks flew. Iruka crawled backwards to a safe distance, he still didn't trust his legs to stand. The battle raged on with neither side pulling away, Kakashi's lightning gave him an advantage but Kyuubi was very skilled at finding weak spots.
'This is not how I imaged spending Halloween night,' Iruka thought. Iruka looked around frantically for someone to help, he could hear the cries and hisses of the large war that raged outside.
'They're outnumbered so we must win soon and then they can help Kakashi…. Oh why didn't I take those fencing lessons?' Iruka scolded himself. He had regained most of his breath and he shakily got to his feet. He saw the bloody kunai embedded in the soil and he reached for it.
"Don't get involved Iruka!" Kakashi shouted as he parried Kyuubi's attack. Iruka withdrew from the weapon with a deep frown, he was only trying to aid Kakashi.
'Is this about pride? Kakashi you idiot!' Iruka worried.
"I'll go get help!" Iruka yelled but Kakashi shook his head, he thrust chidori forward and it clipped Kyuubi's side.
"No!" Kakashi answered. Iruka crossed both arms over his chest and his eyes lit up with fiery anger.
"So you want me to just stay here and do nothing?" Iruka howled and Kakashi nodded, Kyuubi countered the attack easily.
"You're so vain Prince," Kyuubi mocked. They continued to fight and Iruka grew more and more helpless, he felt horrible not doing anything. He steeled his resolve and started to back away, his plan was to enter the castle and find someone who was a better fighter then him.
"IRUKA WATCH OUT!" Kakashi shouted and Iruka's eyes looked up and saw a freshly sharpened dagger flying towards him. It had the same design as the one that had cut him many years before and Iruka was petrified by it.
Kakashi got there quick enough to knock the dagger off course with his chidori and his eyes locked with Iruka's frightened ones. Kyuubi appeared next to the pair with his sword raised and smirked cruelly. He plunged the hilt of his Katana into the back of Kakashi's head with a sickening crack.
Kakashi's eyes widened a fraction and he exhaled as he fell to the floor. Iruka watched him fall in slow motion and the brunette forgot how to breathe. He managed to catch the taller man in his arms and he rested his mop of silver hair on his lap.
"Kakashi? Kakashi!" Iruka shook him gently. Kyuubi backed away, chuckling darkly at the sight. He would give Iruka peace in Kakashi's last moments before he stole the brunette away. Kakashi's eyes half opened and he looked up at the man kneeling above him. "Iruka," Kakashi's voice was flat and it broke Iruka's heart.
"Stay awake Kakashi," Iruka said calmly despite his heart thundering painfully against his chest.
"But you're…. so….. comfy Ruka," Kakashi croaked. Iruka shook his head playfully, he let the nickname go blaming it on the injury.
"Some things never change," Iruka smiled. Kakashi grinned weakly up at the brunette and Iruka petted his head carefully, his fingers searching for the cut. It wasn't hard, the blood was gushing out at a worrying speed and it dyed the light hair a rusty red colour.
"Ouch," Kakashi hissed.
"Shhhh…. You're such an baka, why didn't you let me help you fight?" Iruka asked.
"I wanted to... impress you," Kakashi whispered. A teardrop fell on Kakashi's masked cheek.
"You baka! You don't need to do anything but be yourself to impress me," Iruka cried. Kakashi raised a trembling hand and wiped away a trail of tears.
"Tha-That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me," Kakashi said.
"I'll go get help," Iruka offered.
"No, do you honestly think Kyuubi will allow that? He...He's already getting a kick out of watching me die," Kakashi looked at the redhead out of the corner of his eye. Iruka looked up and glared at Kyuubi, who was reclining against the tree waving at them.
"Bastard," Iruka cursed and Kakashi chuckled.
"I'm just going to rest my eyes," Kakashi felt his energy draining away and Iruka shook him again.
"No please, Kakashi don't leave me," Iruka implored. Kakashi blinked and when he opened his eyes he saw a teenager kneeling over him, his face bloody and his school uniform ruined.
"Please don't leave me alone….. I don't want to be alone," The 16 year old pleaded. Kakashi blinked again and Iruka was back to normal, his fingers rubbed at Kakashi's temples.
'But you were going to leave me,' Kakashi thought sadly. Kakashi's sight blurred and he realised he was crying too, he was going to die. He wasn't going to save Iruka, kiss Iruka, love Iruka, marry Iruka, have a family with Iruka, rule with Iruka by his side. Those thoughts stung and Kakashi welcomed the darkness.
"Kakashi! No Kakashi! Wake up… Please!" He could hear Iruka sobbing but whatever was pulling him down didn't stop.
"I love you Iruka," Kakashi breathed.
It took a moment to register that the droplets on Kakashi's face were raindrops, Iruka didn't know where it came from but he didn't care. He had heard the quiet confession and it shattered what was left of his control. Tears mingled with the rain but Iruka didn't move to wipe them away, he brushed Kakashi's pale forehead tenderly.
'It happened again…. Everyone I care about dies…. Kyuubi,' Iruka thought numbly. He knew he stood no chance against the killer and he didn't want to ever let go of Kakashi.
"Time up, let's go Iruka-chan," Kyuubi walked forward but Iruka didn't move, he didn't even look up from Kakashi.
"Aww is he gone? Good riddance, up up Iruka-chan," Kyuubi clapped his hands together, there was a lot to do and he was slightly worried that his army was failing.
'Having Iruka will be a great bargaining chip,' Kyuubi noted. His temper was boiling when Iruka didn't react to him.
"Get up Iruka," Kyuubi said coldly, the heartbroken look that Iruka wore made him feel sick. Dazed sepia eyes finally looked up at Kyuubi.
"No,"
"…. No?"
"That's right, No,"
"Get up right now or you'll pay,"
"No,"
"You have 5 seconds before I kill you, patience isn't my forte,"
Kyuubi reached 2 when he gave up, it was apparent that Iruka wouldn't leave the fallen prince. Kyuubi lifted his katana and pressed the tip against Iruka's temple but Iruka didn't resist.
"Such a shame," Kyuubi lamented.
A long blade pressed against Kyuubi's neck from behind and the redhead's breath caught in his throat. Iruka looked past his shoulder and he suddenly felt ashamed.
"Snap out of it Iruka-sensei, look at Kakashi's hand," Obito urged. Iruka glanced down and saw a finger on one of his hands twitch, the movement filled Iruka with warmth. Deidara and Sasori crouched down beside Iruka and nodded sympathetically at the teacher.
"Let's get the Prince to a doctor Iruka-sensei," Deidara smiled and Iruka nodded eagerly. He looked up and batted the katana away from him. The trio worked quickly to lift Kakashi up and carry him into the castle, Kyuubi pressed his tongue against his cheek in frustration.
"Uchiha Obito," Kyuubi greeted. The king did nothing but tilt his blade in response. Kyuubi ducked the weapon and ran forward, he could hear the shouts of victory from Konoha's forces and he growled.
"You might as well give up, your fighters are limited," Obito said seriously, he advanced but Kyuubi held up a single finger and waved it.
"My plan is far from over, you will die tonight and I will overthrow Konoha. I just need to regroup," Kyuubi purred. A smoke cloud covered the man and Obito ran blindly into it with his sword drawn, intent on drawing blood. The smoke cleared and Obito stood alone, the rain pouring down on him.
"I'll get you, I'll get you," Obito repeated like a mantra. That's how Sakumo found him a few moments later, he waved for his soldiers to keep tracking Kyuubi's men and he walked slowly up to his husband.
"Obito? Are you okay?" Sakumo asked softly. He didn't want to startle Obito while he still held his sword. He pried the sword out of the pale hand and dropped it to the floor.
"He got away…. Kakashi… Kakashi! He's hurt!" Obito returned to normal and he gripped his hair tightly.
"Kakashi? We need to see him," Sakumo panicked. He pulled Obito into the castle and towards the medical ward.
The medical ward was busy from all the casualties and every doctor was stretched to their limits. The sleeping battalion had been woken up and they had been sent after the stray psychopaths.
Naruto left the room where his father's head wound was being treated and walked down the hallway. Sasuke had convinced him to stay with his father while he went to see another doctor about his shoulder.
'I'll check in on Sasuke and….' Naruto turned the corner and stopped dead. Iruka sat on a plastic chair with his head in his hands, Naruto walked over slowly. Obito was biting his nails nervously while Sakumo slept in the chair next to him, the battle had tired him out.
"What's going on?" Naruto asked. The dark haired king looked at the blonde but Iruka kept his face buried in his hands.
"Kakashi is in surgery, a leak in his skull," Obito said seriously. Naruto understood why Iruka looked so sad, if Sasuke was in that much danger then he would feel bad.
"You okay Iruka-sensei?" Naruto smiled brightly, trying to cheer him up. Iruka didn't reply, he just sat there in shock.
"It wasn't your fault Iruka-sensei," Obito said.
'He was protecting me, of course it was my fault,' Iruka scolded. He looked up at the ornate clock on the wall and sighed. 6:50 p.m
'I hope Hiruzen-sama isn't angry with me…. No he can't be…. Can he? Can I really leave now? Konoha is getting under control but Kyuubi is still out there and Kakashi….' Iruka thought.
Naruto let the smile drop from his face with a whimper, nothing seemed to cheer the brunette up.
"Have you seen Sasuke? He should be seeing one of the doctors," Naruto asked. This drew a reaction from Iruka.
"Sasuke? He left after he dropped you off, said something about joining the hunt for Kyuubi," Iruka said. Naruto blinked a few times and clenched his fists.
"He what?" Naruto growled.
"… If it makes things better he was with Itachi," Iruka said lightly. Naruto was about to yell when he realised Iruka was talking again.
"You spoke?" Naruto smiled and Iruka nodded.
"Don't worry about Sasuke, he's a smart kid," Iruka reassured. Naruto knew how intelligent his lover was, Sasuke was technically classified as a genius.
'Genius in academics but he doesn't know anything about his body's limits or emotional needs,' Naruto pouted inside his head. He silently hoped Sasuke wouldn't find his uncle, Kyuubi was a strong fighter and the blonde couldn't imagine living without his uke.
"You must really hate me Iruka-sensei," Iruka looked at Naruto with a shocked expression.
"Why would I hate you?"
"My uncle killed your family and now he hurt the Prince,"
"How is any of that your fault?"
"The other nobles judge me by it, I'm just 'Kyuubi's screw up nephew',"
"Don't ever say that again!" Iruka shouted, the shining sapphires looked up at Iruka in awe.
"You are Uzumaki Naruto, a skilled fighter, a loyal friend and a compassionate human being. You didn't make Kyuubi… k-kill my family or hurt Prince Kakashi, You are a wonderfully kind person who always tries to better himself. You are one in a million, the sunniest person in your universe and in mine," Iruka uttered. Naruto let the grateful tears fall from his eyes, no one had ever been so nice to him.
"Thank you Iruka-sensei, I'll miss you when you go back to your world," Naruto said innocently. When Iruka hesitated to answer Naruto and Obito shared a hopeful look, thinking the ordeal had shocked Iruka into staying.
"… I'll miss you all too," Iruka said finally and Naruto's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
The theatre doors opened and a tall man in a surgical mask stepped out, he stripped his bloody gloves off and dropped them into a bin. Obito stood up quickly, his elbow nudged his husband awake.
"How is he doctor?" Obito asked and he clasped his hands together hopefully.
"He's stable but still unconscious and recovering slowly. We fixed the fracture and stopped the fluid leaking but he's still fragile," The muffled voice said.
Kakashi lay against the plain white sheets in a hospital gown, his usually gravity defying hair hung limp and an oxygen mask was strapped over his mouth and nose. There were so many wires sticking out various parts of his skin that he could have been mistaken for a robot. Iruka wanted to escape the minute he saw the usually perfect prince in such a pitiful state.
"You stay here and watch him Iruka-sensei, we need to talk to the surgeon again," Obito smiled innocently. He dragged Sakumo out the room and ignored Iruka's suspicious looks. When the dark haired king shut the door over Sakumo opened his mouth to question it.
"Shh," Obito said sternly, he pressed his ear against the door and Sakumo shook his head. Sakumo checked down the hallway and found it empty, he pressed his own ear against the door.
Iruka pulled the plastic chair over to the bed and sat down with a heavy sigh.
"Kakashi?…. This is stupid, it's not like you can hear me…." Iruka said. He rubbed his scar anxiously as he tried to find something to talk about.
"You're such a pain, do you hear me?… You had to be dramatic and you can't get more dramatic last words then 'I love you'," Iruka laughed. Obito and Sakumo grinned at each other and waited for the teacher to continue.
"But that blow to your head must have made you delusional. You're a prince for goodness sake and you're meant to marry some handsome uke and rule the land happily ever after with a dozen little trouble making perverted kids," Iruka said incredulously.
"But…." Iruka ran his finger over the long arm and he locked his finger around one of Kakashi's.
"If you meant what you said…." Obito pressed harder against the door, eager to hear Iruka.
"Then you've put me in a horrible situation," Obito pulled back with a peeved look, Sakumo rolled his eyes and pulled the raven back to the door.
"I have to go home Kakashi. I can't just stay here based on whatever confusing feelings are running around my head, I've only known you a month…. You'd get bored with me. You deserve better then me, it's my fault you're laying here…. U-unconscious….a-and…" Iruka stopped and tried not to break down in guilt.
"I should stop taking this so seriously…. You're always teasing me and making fun of me for your amusement. I'm just your Omocha and you just said that to trick me into staying so you could keep annoying me…. Yeah… that has to be it," Iruka smiled. He leaned over Kakashi's body and brushed the hair aside.
"You've made me doubt myself…. I don't know if I'm staying or going…. But whatever happens…." Iruka pressed his lips to Kakashi's forehead "I'm really glad I met you,".
Obito smiled lovingly and he felt Sakumo's hand holding his own, Iruka would be perfect for Kakashi if he could get over his confusion. They heard footsteps coming towards them and the doctor approached, he didn't ask why the rulers of their kingdom were eavesdropping but he did clear his throat.
"I have some important news," The doctor gestured to the room and Obito opened it for them all to pass through. Iruka turned and bowed to them as the entered, the doctor was taken aback by the motion and returned the bow.
"I'll leave you all in peace," Iruka smiled.
"There's no need Iruka-sensei, I don't mind if you…" Obito started but Iruka felt uncomfortable in the same room as the kings, especially after he'd just kissed their son.
"It's fine, I'll go get some snacks. Do you want anything?" Iruka asked politely but the others refused. Iruka slipped out of the room and walked down the hallway, he knew there was a vending machine somewhere. When Naruto ran past him with a bag of peanuts he knew he was going in the right direction. He stood in front of the vending machine and finally decided on a chocolate bar, he reached into his pocket to get some money out when a blue hand stopped him.
"My treat Iruka-sensei," Kisame gave a sharp toothed grin. Kisame put the coins in and pushed the right button, Iruka picked up the bar and turned to the seme.
"Thank you Hoshigaki-san, what can I do for you?" Iruka said knowingly, Kisame was intelligent and Iruka could tell he was after something.
"Have you seen Itachi anywhere? I was among the fighters who… took a nap and I haven't seen him since before the battle," Kisame said smoothly.
"Itachi-san was fine when I saw him, he and Sasuke left to find Kyuubi," Iruka said honestly, he peeled back the wrapper of the sweet and took a bite out of it.
"I thought so. It's very personal for them both, Sasuke blames himself for not stopping Kyuubi," Kisame confessed. Iruka swallowed and frowned at the shark man.
"But he would have been killed like all the others,"
"We've tried to tell him that but the Uchiha pride is stubborn. Itachi wants revenge too, he and his father weren't on good terms when the massacre happened," Kisame said vaguely.
"They had a fight?"
"Yeah. Itachi and I have been together since he was 14 and I was 17, Fugaku didn't approve and expected Itachi to end things with me. It was the only time he ever went against his father, he refused to break up and it really hurt him…. Itachi idolised Fugaku," Kisame explained. Iruka blinked a few times and reached up to pat the blue man's shoulder sweetly.
"I'm sure his father would have come around eventually. I hope they both find closure," Iruka wished.
"What about your closure?" Kisame said and Iruka shrugged.
"I… I don't know, it happened a long time ago and…. My closure is helping others, making my mother proud of me. I don't hunger for revenge, it wouldn't change the fact my family is dead," Iruka said wisely. Kisame nodded, happy with the answer.
"Thank you Iruka-sensei, your insight is refreshing," Kisame winked and he walked away. Iruka shrugged at the strange man and headed back towards Kakashi's hospital room.
The door was slightly ajar as Iruka approached and he couldn't help his curiosity at the conversation they were having.
"Memory loss?" Obito exclaimed.
"It's a possibility, it was a hard hit and these can trigger amnesia," The doctor said officially.
"What will he forget?" Sakumo questioned and the doctor sighed.
"It could be anything, he could forget days, months, years," The doctor said, Obito wailed and Sakumo held him close. The chocolate bar dropped from Iruka's hand and he didn't bother to pick it up.
"But he could regain those memories eventually right? They won't be lost forever?" Obito said.
"That's uncertain. Some people remember but others…. Never regain those memories,"
Iruka walked past the door and down the hallway, he passed a few busy nurses but didn't greet them with warm smiles like usual.
'He's going to forget? He could forget saying he loves me…. He could forget ever meeting me….' the thoughts circled Iruka's head and he sped up, he didn't know where he was going but he didn't care.
"Although memory loss is an extreme side affect and only 1/20 cases suffer from it. I just thought I should let you know the worst case scenario but I doubt it will come to that," The doctor smiled.
"Phew!" Obito said and Sakumo laughed.
"You had us worried for a minute," Sakumo said.
Iruka had the sense to grab a nearby black umbrella before he went for a walk outside, he didn't know where his feet were leading him. Every tree looked the same and all he could hear was the sound of raindrops and the voices in his head.
"Better late then never," A voice commented. Iruka looked up at saw Hiruzen standing before the glowing mirror but that wasn't the only light. The strange buds from before had opened to reveal a glowing center that gave the clearing an eerie glow.
"Hiruzen-sama?" Iruka said for no reason.
"You don't want Kyuubi to kill anyone else do you?"
"Of course not!"
"I need your help. Kyuubi still has a drop of your blood and one drop is enough for him to pass through the mirror,"
"What if he gets captured? He won't be able to use the mirror then,"
"Even if Kyuubi is captured he has allies who will attempt to get the mirror,"
"Then what do you want me to do?" Iruka snapped. He was tired of riddles, he wanted to stop Kyuubi for good.
"I want you to destroy the mirror," Hiruzen said seriously.
"Me? Why? You're more powerful then me, why can't you do it?" Iruka said suspiciously.
"It needs to be a joint effort. I have two staffs that are infused with the power to destroy the portal. I will smash the mirror…. From this side," Hiruzen added quietly.
"…. You don't mean…?" Iruka couldn't bring himself to say it.
"I need you to travel back to your world and smash the mirror from that side," Hiruzen elaborated.
"But I'll be trapped there!" Iruka yelled. Hiruzen raised an eyebrow and chuckled darkly.
"I thought you were returning home anyway? You weren't thinking of…. Staying were you?" Hiruzen asked. Iruka's hand tightened on the umbrella and he looked away.
"Well I….."
'Just say it Iruka! Say you want to stay!' A voice in his head screamed.
"…. Is this the only way to stop Kyuubi?" Iruka checked and Hiruzen nodded.
"Unless you want him to go through the mirror and kill more innocents? He wants to take over and there will be oceans of blood if he succeeds," Hiruzen threatened. Iruka gritted his teeth and tried to control his temper, Hiruzen wasn't usually this pushy.
"I won't let him! But why does it have to be me?" Iruka said quickly.
"You and Mashimizu are the only ones who can go through the mirror. Are you going to separate him from his husband and son?" Hiruzen said.
"….. No, that would be heartless," Iruka said timidly.
"You're mother was right Iruka-sensei," Hiruzen said seriously " 'You're going to help so many people…. By returning home,'". Hiruzen pulled out a light rosewood cane that glowed with a blue light, Iruka reached forward and took it.
'It's for the best,' Iruka told himself.
"So what do I do?" Iruka asked.
"Once you reach your dimension I will give you a signal and you have to smash the mirror. The staff will dissolve and the portal will cease to exist," Hiruzen pulled an identical staff out but it glowed green.
"I'll smash it from this side… It will be hard to adjust to your natural universe again. The memories of this place will haunt you and you will always question what could have been," Hiruzen continued.
"Probably but I can… no I must handle it," Iruka smiled.
"I heard about the Prince's confession,"
"Hiruzen-sama!"
"You are stronger then I Iruka. You have feelings for the prince and the prince had feelings for you, this blow to the head has messed things up. At least the prince won't feel heartbreak, he won't remember," Hiruzen smiled. He saw Iruka twitch and he inwardly sighed, he didn't like hurting the boy but orders were orders.
"Yeah but I have to," Iruka whispered.
"Maybe not," Hiruzen pulled out a small vial filled with purple liquid. Iruka scrutinised the small bottle, he could have sworn he had seen it before…..
"The Kioku buttefly's blood!" Iruka gasped.
"This will make you forget, memories are painful things and you won't be able to live knowing what you know," Hiruzen's voice grew grave and Iruka licked his lips nervously.
"I don't need it… I don't…." But even as Iruka said those words, his hand reached out and plucked the vial from the guardian. He slipped it into his pocket with an ashamed look.
"When is this happening?" Iruka said. Everything was moving so fast that his mind blurred.
"Now, there is no point in waiting," Hiruzen waved his hand and the mirror glowed brighter, Iruka felt himself hyperventilating.
"What about goodbyes?"
"They would only talk you out of it, you know that,"
"….. Okay. For all the innocents that could be killed. It's not like it's the first time I've put someone else's happiness before my own,"
"Iruka-sensei…."
"It was a wonderful experience, I probably won't remember any of this but I want you to know how grateful I am to have been here. All that research seems pointless now…."
"Iruka…"
"It shouldn't matter right? I wasn't going to stay… it was just a bet and he won't remember me…."
"It's time Iruka," Hiruzen said ominously. The brunette blinked back his tears and stood before the portal, his heart ached but he pushed it aside.
'Their happiness is far more important then mine,' Iruka thought. He took a deep breath, dropped the umbrella and stepped through the mirror.
There was a warm sensation that lured Iruka into a false sense of relaxation, he kept walking through the dark until a bright light pierced his eyes. He looked back and saw the Guardian watching him, Hiruzen nodded behind his hat and Iruka returned the gesture. He broke into a run and didn't dare look back, he didn't know what he would do.
Iruka fell onto his hands and knees on the wooden floor of his hallway. Iruka looked around with a wide smile, he had missed his home and the familiar feeling it held. He had half expected Tsunade or Jiraiya to be there but it was an emergency so he forgave them. He stood up and turned to the mirror, the image of Hiruzen was clear as a bell.
"Ready?" Hiruzen's voice echoed. Iruka lifted up the glowing baton and tried not let his tears escape, he was cutting off any ties to other Konoha….
"Ready!" Iruka responded and Hiruzen lifted his own artefact.
Cutting off any ties to Mashimizu and his family…..
"Now!" Hiruzen shouted and they both brought the staffs down, the mirror shattered into pieces and the shards fell onto the floor. The wooden stick dissolved into sparkling dust and ran through Iruka's fingers. The image was gone, there was just a frame on a wall and sharp shards of mirror reflected up at Iruka. He couldn't see anything but himself.
Cutting off any ties to Kakashi…
"Oh God," Iruka dropped to his knees and covered his eyes with his hands "What have I done?".
Hiruzen watched the fine dust fall to the grass and he stepped back, the structure of the mirror cracked and tumbled to the ground in pieces.
"Forgive me Iruka," Hiruzen said painfully.
Obito followed behind Sasuke and Itachi, the pair of Uchiha's had come to get their uncle in the dead of night. Most of the rogue soldiers had been rounded up, Orochimaru and Kabuto had fled out of the kingdom like the snakes they were and the only missing person was Kyuubi.
The midnight moon beat down upon them as they dodged around the thick tree trunks. Neither man had told Obito what was happening but they agreed that actions spoke louder then words.
Obito landed in a small damp clearing where a figure was bound to a tree, his red hair was smeared with dirt and blood and he spat and shouted obscenities. Itachi and Sasuke had really done a number on the serial killer.
"How the mighty have fallen Kyuubi," Obito sneered. All three men activated their sharingan to intimidate the man, Kyuubi would never admit out loud that it worked. Itachi had spent several hours torturing the man with visions of nightmares and pain, Itachi leaned against a nearby tree. His chakra was low and they knew they had to end Kyuubi soon before he passed out.
Sasuke cut the ties that held the man up and Kyuubi fell to the ground, his limbs too damaged to move. He was a sitting duck and the Uchiha's would show him no mercy. Itachi pulled out a pair of daggers and plunged one into each calf, pinning him to the ground.
"AAARGGGHH!" Kyuubi roared.
"That's for the innocents you needlessly slaughtered," Itachi said passionately. Obito pulled out his sword and plunged it into his back, impaling him harshly.
"That's for the Uminos and the life you stole from Iruka-sensei," Obito snapped. Kyuubi was on the verge of death, his usually tanned skin was pale and sickly. He looked up at the youngest Uchiha who smirked down at him with a smug sense of superiority.
"And this…." Sasuke pulled out a sharp spike and stabbed it through the back of Kyuubi's neck, the man spluttered and spat blood everywhere. Sasuke ripped the spike across the neck, severing the skin and effectively beheading him.
"...Is for the Uchiha Clan," Sasuke hissed. He pulled his leg back and kicked the head with all his might, it shot away from the body and shattered against another tree. Only the occasional spot of skin and blood remained. Obito laughed happily, he pulled his goggles up and wiped away the tears that had gathered.
"It's over, he got everything he deserved," Obito laughed. Sasuke nodded and Itachi crossed his arms over his chest.
"How do you feel Sasuke?" Itachi asked and Sasuke snorted.
"I feel like an Uchiha," Sasuke said in a pleased tone. Obito opened his arms and gathered each uke into them.
"We're the last 3 true Uchihas, Kakashi is a Hatake through and through but we will always be Uchihas," Obito said proudly.
"Last 4," Itachi said bluntly, Obito blinked and followed Itachi's line of sight. He looked at the pale hand that rested on Sasuke's stomach and he gasped.
"Yeah," Sasuke rubbed his stomach with a strange smile "You too,".
