Chapter 13

Of ANBU and Missing Nin

Morning came earlier than Kakashi really wanted. After all, before the sun rose, he could at least fool himself into thinking he wasn't about to face five people who would be deciding if he would live or die. But in the cruel light of day he had no choice but to accept his fate was about to be turned over to others yet again. He sighed and pulled his covers over his head, attempting to block out the impending tribunal along with the sun.

"Get up." The tone and slightly muffled quality of the voice made it clear to Kakashi that his ANBU alarm clock had just gone off.

Kakashi groaned and dug down father under his covers, pulling one of the pillows over his head in a vain attempt to ignore the 'alarm.' The blankets and pillow were forcibly pulled off of him and tossed into a corner.

"Now – Hatake."

Kakashi let out an exaggerated sigh and pushed himself into a sitting position. He noticed a group of four ANBU surrounding his bed. "I'm up. Now tell me why I'm up, considering the tribunal isn't for another four hours."

The one standing closest to the washroom threw a towel at him. "Hokage's orders. Get cleaned up."

Kakashi snatched the towel from the air and frowned at the mask resembling a ferret. "So, is it her intention to make my last day alive as miserable as possible?"

"Who's to say what the Hokage's intentions are? Our orders are to get you up, washed and out of here within the hour."

Kakashi scratched at the back of his head and glanced at the other three ANBU. Considering he was being watched by Puma, Hawk and Wolverine, in addition to Ferret, he knew running wasn't an option. After all, he'd worked with these men and woman before and knew just how skilled they were. Hell, he'd even trained two of them. He noticed them all tense slightly when he swung his feet over the side of the bed. It was nice to see that they still respected his abilities enough to worry, even with the chakra seals down his back.

"Well, if you're only giving me less than an hour, I'd best get in the shower."

He stood and started to walk toward the washroom when his still-healing legs nearly buckled after four steps. Ferret was there instantly...offering her support with a hand at his elbow.

"Take it slowly, Sempai."

He raised his eyebrows at the gentle words and used her support to straighten up. "Yeah, I'll try that."

Once he was at the door to the washroom he stopped and leveled one of his most devastating smirks at the ANBU. "I think you can let go now, Ferret." The smirk turned into a leer. "Unless you want to join me, that is...you know...you wash my back, and I'll wash yours?"

A small chuckle from the others in the room, and a string of curses from Ferret as she released his elbow, made it clear that Genma had been right when he'd said he still had supporters within the ranks. He sighed and made his way into the shower. He wouldn't want to keep the Hokage waiting...too long...heh.

Once Kakashi closed the door and they heard the water in the shower running, Hawk pushed his porcelain mask to the side and moved to the head of the bed. He bent close to the wall so he could better see the scattering of drawings tacked to the surface. A low growl came from his throat at the scenes depicted. He felt Ferret's hand on his shoulder and he stood back up, turning to meet her violet eyes.

She'd shifted her mask to the side as well, and her worry was clear in her pale face. "What if they weren't going to rule against him?"

He frowned. "You know better than to ask the question, Kensei."

She sighed. "Yeah. But he's the freakin Copy-Ninja. Doesn't that count for anything, Yotaka?"

Puma stepped up and pulled his mask off, his shock of blue hair falling forward to cover his emerald eyes. "That's the problem, isn't it? He's the Copy-Ninja...which makes him too dangerous to trust at this point."

Yotaka narrowed his eyes at his long-time friend. "Are you saying you don't trust Kakashi-sempai, Isougai?"

A chuckle came from Isougai's throat. "Stand down, Yotaka. Of course I trust Kakashi-sempai. Unfortunately, it's the ones holding all the power that don't trust him."

Kensei moved closer to the washroom door and Yotaka noticed a frown settle over her face. "Did any of you ever think it would come to this?"

He sighed. "Are you questioning what we're about to do, Kensei?"

She whipped her head around to stare at him with wide eyes. Her red hair settling down around her shoulders with the movement. "Never! I'd prefer it if we didn't have to do it...but there's no way in hell I'm going to let those old fools destroy Kakashi-sempai!"

Wolverine stepped toward the room's door, the edge in his deep voice reminding them just why he was heading this impromptu mission. "Exactly why we need to remain focused. Someone's coming...masks on boys and girls."

By the time the door slid open, all four ANBU were fully masked and in position in the corners of the room. Hawk tensed slightly in anticipation when a single person stepped into the room. Iruka Umino was so busy trying to juggle an armful of documents that it wasn't until Puma slipped behind him and closed the door that the man even took the time to look up. When he did, the Academy Teacher's expression ran through a series of emotions – from surprise, to fear, to confusion – in less than a minute.

To his credit, Iruka managed to keep a firm hold on the precarious stack of paperwork and remained calm enough to walk to the nearby chair and set them down before turning back to take a closer look at the gathering of ANBU in the room. Hawk smirked behind his mask as the chunin reached up to scratch at the edge of the scar running across his face.

Iruka looked back to the empty bed, and was about to question them about what was going on, when the washroom door opened to reveal the freshly washed form of Kakashi Hatake...his silver mane of hair still dripping wet from his shower, a towel hanging low on his hips. Iruka felt the telltale heat as a slight blush crept across his face, and he knew Kakashi wouldn't let it pass unnoticed.

"Mah – Iruka-sensei...if I'd known you were coming I would have waited to take my shower with you." The grin stretched across Kakashi's face made it clear he was teasing, but it was enough to cause Iruka's skin to turn another shade darker.

The ANBU to his right chuckled...and Iruka shot a hard glare at the Hawk-masked shinobi. It only made the guard laugh out loud, and Iruka sighed. What was it about the elite shinobi of the village that made them feel it was perfectly fine to abuse him? He frowned and turned back to see Kakashi running a second towel through his hair...that damnable grin still plastered to his face.

"You know, Kakashi...I'm starting to wonder just why I signed up for this abuse."

The Copy-ninja smirked, tossed the hair towel behind him onto the washroom floor, and casually crossed over to his bed. "For the record, Advocate...I've been asking you that question from the start."

Iruka shook his head and decided to change the topic. "So, what did you do between the time I left last night and now that earned you a full ANBU squad to watch you get dressed?"

Iruka thought he saw two of the ANBU tense slightly at his question, but before he could dwell on the strange behavior Kakashi replied.

"I promise it wasn't anything I did this time, Iruka...they came with orders to have me up and out of here within the hour. I think the Hokage just wants to make certain I'm on time for a change."

Iruka chuckled at that thought. It did sound like something Lady Tsunade would do when it involved a task this important. "Well...don't let me keep you from getting ready then. Do you want me to come back later?"

"Stay where you are, Iruka-sensei. There's no reason why you shouldn't come with me to see what the Hokage has in mind."

This time, the tensing of the ANBU could not be ignored. Iruka tried not to let them know he noticed. "I'm sure Lady Tsunade wouldn't appreciate me tagging along Kakashi. I'll just come back later."

Iruka moved to pick up the stack of papers and was stopped by five simple words. "You owe me this, Iruka."

He cringed slightly and looked back over his shoulder toward where Kakashi was already fastening a pair of standard jonin pants in place. The look in the Copy-ninja's eyes made it crystal clear that this was to be the consequence from the 'game' the two played the previous night. Iruka sighed and left the papers where they were. He stood and turned toward his charge, crossing his arms and glaring at the man.

"Fine...but once this is over, we're even. Agreed?"

Kakashi smiled as he buttoned up a plain uniform shirt. "Whatever you say Iruka-sensei."

Throughout their conversation, Iruka noticed subtle hand signs flashing between the four ANBU. Although he couldn't tell just what the movements meant...it was clear that there was more going on than just a summons by the Hokage. Before he could do more than wonder about it, the tallest ANBU stepped forward. He was easily a half-foot taller than Kakashi and he wore a mask that was stylized after some sort of sharp-toothed beast. Any hair he had was hidden under his black bandanna, and his voice was deep and powerful. Iruka knew instinctively that the ANBU's skills likely matched the image he was portraying.

"It's time to go. Are you certain you wish for the chunin to accompany you Copy-ninja?"

Iruka watched Kakashi's eyes narrow ever so slightly. "If you want me to go willingly, Wolverine...then yes...the chunin comes too."

Iruka could almost feel the two men...Wolverine and Kakashi...silently challenging each other. He held his breath, wondering if the two would come to blows. The tension in the room was palpable and set his nerves on end...but a moment later, that tension disappeared when the ANBU member lowered his head ever-so-slightly in submission.

"As you wish..."

With that simple phrase, the group prepared to head out. To Iruka's surprise, he felt two of the ANBU grip him by his arms, and watched the other two do the same with Kakashi. A split-second later, and he felt the world twist out from under his feet as a teleportation jutsu went into effect. He knew it was the safest and easiest way to transport Kakashi through the village without fear of attack, but Iruka would never get used to the uncomfortable feeling traveling in such a way left behind in his stomach. Truthfully, it was one of the primary reasons he never pursued the jonin level...the ability to move about by this means was one of the basic skills tested in the jonin exam, and he could never manage to come out of the technique ready to attack.

So, when Kakashi's deadly tone met his ears, it became clear that their destination was not the expected location. "Just what the hell is going on here?"

When Iruka's mind and vision finally caught up with his surroundings, he noticed they were in the middle of the forest which surrounded Konoha, and there was another ANBU waiting for them. Kakashi was still held in the firm grip of Wolverine and Hawk, and Iruka had never seen such a look of total anger on the man's face. Iruka swallowed back his fear even as the grip on his own arms tightened slightly.

The new ANBU stepped forward to stand in front of Kakashi. "This is the only way, Sempai."

Kakashi's lips pulled back in a snarl. "So then, the Hokage decided to kill me off before the Tribunal rather than go through the motions. I can't say that I didn't consider this possibility...but I'm still a bit disappointed that she'd send you to do the task."

Iruka gasped. He'd never considered this as an option. What the hell was going on? How could the Hokage even start to think that this was acceptable? He struggled within the grip of the ANBU even as he struggled within his mind over this latest turn of events.

"Stop squirming, Sensei, and listen up." The quiet words hissed in his ear by the female ANBU caused Iruka to still his movements.

The ANBU in front of Kakashi chuckled. "Do you really think we'd let that happen, Sempai? After all you've done for us over the years?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes further. "You're ANBU...you do what you're ordered to do. So stop pretending otherwise, Jackal."

Iruka watched as the ANBU shook his head. "Dammit Kakashi...stop thinking the world is out to get you and open your eyes to the fact some of us actually give a damn what happens to you!"

Iruka stared in shock as Jackal pushed his mask to the side and shoved a senbon in between his teeth. "Genma?!"

The newly revealed ANBU turned his head to meet Iruka's shocked gaze with a look of frustration. "Great...so whose brilliant idea was it to bring the Sensei along?"

Kakashi answered before Iruka had a chance to say another word. "Mine. Now explain what the hell is going on."

Genma sighed and rubbed a hand across the back of his head. "We discovered Danzo had manipulated the selection committee for the tribunal. It was stacked with his supporters, and it was clear to all of us that you weren't going to get a fair shake. We even overheard Danzo deciding on which method of termination would be best on you while still preserving the sharingan for his own use."

Iruka marveled at how calmly Kakashi took the news. But he couldn't keep his own blood from boiling at the thought that the tribunal could be manipulated so easily. "What are you saying, Genma? That no matter what I presented in Kakashi's defense the verdict was already set?"

"Yeah – that's about it." Genma shrugged. "I know you really wanted to clear his name, Iruka...hell, I even think you could have pulled it off in different circumstances. But I don't think even the Second Hokage would have been able to get past Danzo's stooges."

Iruka frowned. "Great...so what happens now?"

Kakashi answered. "Now you go back to the village and pretend you didn't see anything, Iruka."

Genma turned his gaze back to Kakashi. "You know perfectly well that we can't let him do that, Kakashi."

The Copy-ninja shrugged. "Heh...it was worth a try. Actually, Iruka...thanks to these idiots...you get to become a missing-nin."

"What!? Are you serious!? This is not what I signed on for!"

Kakashi's gray and red eyes met his stare, and it was plain the man never expected this either. Oddly, that fact helped calm Iruka's nerves enough that he was able to take a deep breath and think things through. After all, he and Kakashi weren't the only ones who'd be declared missing-nin. This small group of ANBU couldn't risk going back into the village either...especially now that they knew with certainty that Danzo was making his move. His thoughts went back to the Hokage and his eyes went wide.

"Oh shit!" Iruka saw Kakashi smirk at his outburst.

"Finally figuring out just what all this means to those we're leaving behind, Iruka?"

He hated how easily the Copy-ninja could read him, but his assumption was right. "What's going to happen to Tsunade once Danzo and the others figure out you're gone, Kakashi?"

Kakashi turned toward Genma. "Why don't you ask the brains behind this one, Iruka?"

Iruka turned his glare in the direction of the senbon-chewing jonin...who at least had the decency to squirm under their combined glare. "What?! Didn't you think I'd already thought about that?"

Both Kakashi and Iruka answered in unison. "No."

Genma rolled his eyes. "Nice guys. That's the thanks I get for saving your sorry ass, Kakashi? For the second time, I might add!"

Iruka watched Kakashi cock his head to the side and narrow his eyes. "Stop dodging the question Genma."

"Fine. I left behind enough evidence to show that she had nothing to do with any of it. In fact, right about now the Hokage is probably hunting down certain members of ROOT to find out how they removed Kakashi from the hospital." Genma's grin made it clear he found his solution rather amusing.

Iruka scratched at the back of his own head. "That should definitely put a crimp in Danzo's plans."

Kakashi lowered his chin to his chest with an exaggerated sigh. "Brilliant."

Iruka frowned at the obvious sarcasm that colored that single word. "What's wrong with his plan Kakashi? It should shift public suspicion away from the Hokage and place it firmly on Danzo's shoulders. Isn't that what we want?"

Kakashi shook his head, not bothering to raise it from its position. "Are you forgetting Ibiki and the others can track me down without even trying?"

Iruka knew his jaw dropped open. "Since when can they do that?"

This time Kakashi did lift his head and turned to look straight at Iruka. "The seals on my back do more than just block my chakra...there's a secondary seal meant to act as a beacon to the T & I section of ANBU."

Genma motioned for the four ANBU holding Iruka and Kakashi to let them loose. "Come on, Kakashi. Give me a little more credit than that, will you?"

Iruka watched Wolverine move behind Kakashi and then slide one hand under the Copy-ninja's shirt. He saw Kakashi tense at the unexpected contact, and then his face screwed up in what was obviously pain. Iruka moved to rush to his side, but one firm hand on his shoulder from Puma kept him in his place. "What are you doing to him!"

Genma smiled back at him. "Blocking Ibiki's tracking seal, of course."

A moment later and Wolverine stepped away from Kakashi. "Forgive me – but there was no way to remove the seal in so little time. We figured this alternative was better than leaving it active."

Kakashi chuckled, causing Iruka to wonder if the man had truly lost his mind. "Kakashi, how can you laugh after all this?"

"Because, Iruka...the only person who knows how to block this seal is Ibiki Morino...isn't that right, Wolverine...or should I say Ibiki?"

A low chuckle from Wolverine and the man removed the ANBU mask to reveal the severely scarred face of Ibiki Morino. Iruka's eyes went wide.

Ibiki hooked the mask to the side of his weapons pouch. "I know you can't read my chakra signature right now. So, what gave me away Kakashi?"

Kakashi smirked. "Hell, Ibiki...I'd know those hands anywhere."

Iruka groaned. "Can't your guys ever be serious?"

Ibiki turned toward him with a frown. "The Sensei has a point. We need to move out...now...before they start sending the search teams after us."

Genma took over the conversation. "Kakashi, we need to cover a lot of ground before we can rest tonight. I'm afraid in your current condition you can't keep up. So, do you have a preference?"

Iruka looked between the two jonin and knew he was missing something. It all became clear when the Copy-ninja pointed to Ibiki. "I'll take him. I suggest you carry Iruka."

Iruka's eyes went wide. "What!? Oh, come on...I can keep up perfectly fine!"

Kakashi met his gaze steadily. "No – you can't."

Iruka wanted to argue the fact...but something in the set of Kakashi's shoulders made it clear to him that he was well out of his league. Sighing, he lowered his head in defeat. "Fine. But I'm so getting even with you for pulling me into this mess, Hatake."

"Whatever you say, Sensei."

Once he and Kakashi were securely sitting on their escorts' backs, the group headed off into the deepest part of the forest. It only took Iruka a matter of moments to realize Kakashi was right...there was no way in hell he'd have been able to keep up with this group at the speed they were traveling. He could only imagine how much faster they'd be going if they hadn't needed to carry him and Kakashi. Iruka would definitely need to change how he described the ANBU in his classes in the future...they were far more skilled than he had ever guessed.

He frowned. After all, there was a very real chance he'd never get to teach again, especially if they were never able to return to Konoha. As the realization of just what he'd gotten himself into started to sink in, he felt Genma add a bit more speed to his stride. Iruka held on a bit tighter and hoped his alarm might ring any moment to wake him from this nightmare. Unfortunately, as the minutes wore on, it was clear this was anything but a dream.

Zetsu watched the strange combination of Konoha shinobi race away from the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Pein would be pleased to hear Kakashi Hatake had survived his ordeal with Orochimaru, but there was still the matter of regaining the Copy-ninja into the fold of the Akatsuki. From what Zetsu had observed and overheard, he and his Brothers would not be the only ones looking for Kakashi...and it sounded as though all the work Itachi had done over the past months had already been undone. This would not do at all.

Zetsu folded his mantle around him and sank into the ground of the forest. He needed to return to the others at once and let them know of these latest developments.