And here we are, Chapter 4 of our little side trek into the Naruto World. And I thank you all for your kind and corrective reviews. I'm taking them all to heart and using a new program for spell check. When I have time and when things are less hectic for me, I'll be going through the first story and seeing to it that everything is fixed. Now that I actually know how to replace chapter content with one another. Such odd things that you figure out when your fooling around with things.
Now enough from me. Please Read and review.
Falcon S. Kimeraki
Disclaimer: It's the same as before people. I don't own the X-men or Naruto. So HA! The lawyers can't touch me! I'm not even making a dime off of this story, as much as I would like to say that I am.
Naruto and the X-men – Fall of a Hero
Chapter 4 – Trial
The search for Naruto was eventually called off. Partly due to the fact that Tsunade had yet to find one shred of proof that the one that she sought out was still alive, and partly because there were political problems beginning to rise up in the Hidden Leaf village. At that point in time she really did not care. Tsunade was beyond livid. She had been planning how to slowly disembowel the little Uchiha brat with a small rusty spoon. The thought of the screams that she would get pleased her in a dark demonic way. However she knew that she wouldn't be able to touch him until a proper investigation finished and a trial was had. For this she had Ibiki and Jiraiya working upon it.
Tsunade nodded her head towards those of the men that followed her out into the wilderness to search for Naruto. Sakura was handling it well enough, though at night she heard the young girl either weeping or trying to figure out what was to happen next. Ino, the Yamanaka Heiress, spent most of her time with Hinata Hyuuga who had taken Naruto's disappearance terribly. Tsunade could not have blamed her at all. It was no secret that the young lady had feelings for the blonde. One of the few rays of light that Hinata had had in her life, or so she had been told. Shikamaru had asked to stay out in the field, and his reasoning was to remain with the Sand Trio, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro of the Sand. She had agreed, she could also relate to how the young man felt, and had left Lee, Hana Inuzuka and Tenten with him.
The jounin though, she had brought back with her. As much as she would have loved to entertain her selfish desire to keep them out in the field and searching, the village couldn't afford it and it would do far more harm than good. Though the information that she had gleaned from Kakashi and the incident at the Forest of Death. The Second Test with in the Last Chuunin exams and the one prior to the invasion of the Leaf by the combined power of the Sand and Sound villages. These were not listed in any of her reports. In fact, she hadn't known that Sasuke had come into contact with Orochimaru. There were things being removed from the files of the Hokage, and she had no ide why. She needed to know. And the people that had the ability to manipulate the records directly under her were few and far in between.
In fact the most likely was Danzo.
The man was a war mongerer and had more often than not butted heads with the Third Hokage and her Sensei on what should have been done, and policies that seemed to make the village look weak. Tsunade snorted in disgust, she was going to have to go through that old war hawk like a wrecking ball before he caused too much damage.
"Men. Know that you have my appreciation for going out into the field and searching for our injured comrades. Now return to your families. Show them that they are alright." Tsunade commanded, crossing her arms under her bust and bowing her head, finding the ground extremely fascinating for a moment. "Because you never know when this moment may be the last, Cherish and Enjoy. You are now dismissed."
And thus after a few moments of the people staring at her, they began to file out towards those that they cared about. However there were several that refused to go. The remnants of the Rookie Nine, minus Shikamaru and Tenten, team Gai, and their Jounin ranked instructors. Of course this caused the Lady Hokage to raise an eyebrow towards their odd behaviour. What we're they waiting for. And thus through silent debate it was decided that one stepped forward, his trademark lazy position somehow still managed to piss her off.
"We've got your back, Lady Hokage. What are your orders?"
A statement that managed to bring a smile to Tsunade's face, before she nodded her head towards them, in thanks for their willingness to back her. Of course this just caused Tsunade to regard them all that were still assembled before her. She knew she could count on Jiraiya and Ibiki. Anko she was still wondering about. But these people before her, they were the true legacy of the Will of Fire. The True Legacy and future of the village. Perhaps that was what the former Hokage saw in this new generation.
"Kakashi… You're not going to be able to talk your way out of this one. So brown nosing to me isn't going to help you. But thank you." Tsunade stated letting a small laugh at Kakashi's widening eye. And then the easy going and smile upon the Hokage's face disappeared, and in its place was the mask of a seasoned commander. "There is nothing that we can do right now before the investigation is complete. And then we go to the trial of Sasuke Uchiha. However, Kakashi, despite the situation, I need copies of the reports that you have for the Chuunin Exams as well as any preliminary research into whatever happened to the Brat. And then I'm going to need a report for everything that you have discovered at the Valley of the End. I want all details, no matter how insignificant that they may appear. Am I Understood?" Tsunade asked, punctuating the last three words of her orders to the man.
"Yes, Lady Hokage."
"Good they are to be on my desk as soon as possible. Sakura, This order applies to you, considering that you had a first encounter with Orochimaru in the event in question." Tsunade ordered before she regarded the rest of the ninja gathered before her and she nodded her head. "The rest of you are on official stand by and awaiting further orders. Have your reports for me as soon as possible." And that was when Tsunade turned and walked off, to the Hokage tower where she would relieve Hiashi of his duty as her stand in.
The rest of those that were still gathered around the front gate, Sakura, Hinata and Ino drifted together, talking about what was now about to happen, and what they all knew about the events in question. Tsume had left with Asuma her team to head towards the Hospital to check in on her son and various wounded comrades. Kakashi was ignoring Lee and Gai who were busy hugging one another with that secret Genjutsu of theirs. The one that created the rainbow in the back ground, and attracted all sorts of cute animals and managed to great everyone in the area out. However it was not long before the group had decided that they were hungry and went to the one place that they could to become closer to their long lost friend and comrade in arms, Naruto Uzumaki. The Number one surprising and knuckleheaded ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village.
And in their wanderings, they entered the small ramen shack that Naruto said was the best place on the planet; Ichiraku Ramen.
-Hokage Tower, Twenty minutes Later-
There Tsunade was, at the entrance of her doorway, her honey brown eyes widened to white saucers, and her eyebrows twitching every few moments as she eyed the scene in front of her. There Hiashi was, sipping some tea while conversing with Shizune about something that he had read in a particular report that he found interesting, while Shizune conversed in return, not bothering to look up from the clip board that she kept. But that wasn't what had amazed Tsunade into such a stupor. It was her desk.
It was Clean. Tsunade could see the fine shiny finish upon its top once more. To her, it was beyond remarkable.
"What the hell did you do to my office!" Tsunade managed out, while the Chuunin guards stationed at the door both looked at one another and then turned away, grinning to one another. Of course Shizune had jumped at the stern tone that Tsunade had used, and looked up so quickly that the two other people with in the room thought that her head may have snapped off from the jerk. The reaction from Hiashi Hyuuga was some what more reserved. His pearl coloured eyes turned their gaze to look upon the form of the Hokage and the head of the Hyuuga clan smirked while arching one eyebrow.
"What is the matter, Lady Hokage? Do you not approve of this state?" The Hyuuga clan head offered, the neutral tone being betrayed by the faint smile that never left his face. And one other thing that she felt had pissed her off. First Kakashi's lazy and laid back way, and now the Hyuuga head laughing at her.
"Not approve? I was expecting I'd have to climb to the top to get to the desk? And here I find it all completed. Just what the hell have you two been doing?" Tsunade asked, and the Hyuuga clan head turned his head to look towards Shizune who bowed her head and nodded towards the more elderly lady.
"Hiashi and I helped to organize a committee. Where the Hokage would need to look over things was too inefficient, and with the ways things have been, you've not been able to actually go and physically investigate anything that the claims the village and its people makes." Shizune stated nodding her head, before she looked towards the office space just across the hallway and pointed towards the door. "They are in there right now. Some are going over Mission briefings and rankings. Others are looking over budgets, seeing what can be spared from other things to help with the rebuilding of the village. All mission reports are of course being brought to your attention; however we thought that D-ranked missions with in the village were beneath the Hokage to view unless something terrible has been recorded." Shizune stated as she turned to regard the Hokage who just looked at the both with wide eyes. Tsunade didn't know which one she couldn't believe more, the fact that they had found a system that actually worked or that she hadn't thought of that to begin with.
"Aren't you afraid that facts might actually get mixed up? Or that an impartial party might be involved?" Tsunade asked as she walked towards the door and opened it up, eyeing the people with in. Two she knew to be Hyuuga members, elderly men that seemed to have weathered the worst of the storm of age with relative grace. She also recognized one as a member of the Nara Clan, however the forth, though seeming familiar, she had no idea who it was.
"Are you still worried? I would also have asked someone from the Aburame clan to attend. However their head has been away upon a diplomatic mission to the land of wave. And their council takes forever to decide anything by any progressive standards." The Hyuuga head stated as he sipped his tea once more, before he vacated the chair of the Hokage. However for but a moment he turned his head to look at it, as though saying fair well to an old friend, before he nodded towards Shizune. "Try and ensure that you keep the staff about. I do not worry about them for the time being. And continue to lay out the lines and the rules for the things that she requires. I'm sure that she will be needing them tomorrow." The Hyuuga elder explained. A fact to which Shizune nodded in return. And it was at that time that Tsunade turned her head to look towards the two beside her and she nodded her head towards them.
"What of Ibiki's report? What was he able to learn from that little runt?" Tsunade asked not bothering to hide her loathe for the youth. However it was not the tone that Tsunade had used that had caused them pause. No it was the question itself. That had caused her to worry. "What is it?"
"There have been complications. Ibiki had sent a request for Inochi Yamanaka to help with the interrogation and investigation into the battle at the Valley of the end. The answers that Ibiki had apparently had gotten had made no sense." The Hyuuga elder stated as he turned his head to look towards that of the desk and gestured to the files gracing the top of the desk. "You will find them all in order I'm sure. Ibiki is not one to miss details. And his initial interrogation of the Last Uchiha had revealed some rather unique answers."
"In what way exactly?"
"You will need to read all the files and reports before you are going to look into it. Sorata Kimeraki and Master Jiraiya have also left one for you. It also has video documentation, though it was unnecessary." The Hyuuga clan head stated before he looked towards the tea cup, and with one quick drink, he emptied it of its potent contents and then nodded towards Shizune while eyeing the Hokage. "If there is nothing else? I'm afraid that I am over due for an appointment with my nephew. And I'm sure that your will be busy for some time. Should you have any questions, I will make myself available." And thus the man turned and walked out, leaving the two women to get to work.
It was not ten minutes after the departure of the Hyuuga head that the Elder Members of the Council had saw fit to enter the Hokage's office with looks of pure disdain upon their faces. At that time, Tsunade had been reading over the preliminary questioning of Sasuke Uchiha, and she had to admit. The answers that the young man gave were of no sense at all. It would make sense Ibiki would have requested the addition of Inochi in this matter. And with out glancing up from the paper that she had been reading, she nodded her head in the direction of the elders who stood before her desk.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. I assume that this isn't a social call?" Tsunade stated as she flipped a page, while Homura just glared down towards her.
"You know very well that it isn't, Lady Tsunade. Leaving without notice, taking over half of the Medical Ninja Core and teams of trackers, Anbu Black Operations Ninja, and not to mention the relocation of the four rookie teams. All under the guise of your personal guard as you gallivanted across the country side! Have you lost what sense you came here with?" The Council member Homura stated, glaring down towards the Slug Princess who did not seem too distressed with the allegations being made against her. Such a thing that would have made her crumble earlier seemed to do nothing to make Tsunade even the least bit edgy. It showed that her caring attitude was either dead, or she was far worse off than she was letting on. Either way, it bode ill for the team there.
"As commander of the village's forces, I can allocate them as I see fit. We had a team in distress, and we were only able to find four out of five the members of the squad. I made a decision to head up the investigation personally. If you assume that I did it to find Naruto that was only one reason. Another was that we had members from four different clans out there in field. Three of them the heirs to the clan head titles. Did you wish to explain to an Irate Choza that his son died because I wasn't there with the medicines needed to save his life?" Tsunade countered a fact to which all in the room gave pause as their imaginations took over. The Akimichi head was vicious when it came to his enemies. And even more so when he was upset.
"The Kyuubi boy… You were not able to reclaim him?" Danzo asked, keeping his face expertly neutral from what he was truly thinking. The chance for a perfect tool to use against the Hokage and the other villages was wasted should that had been the case. Of course the nick name had also served as a double purpose. To get the Hokage to become irritated enough to act rashly. He could use that to his advantage. Though another thing had happened that he had not accounted for. Tsunade did not bother to look up from the file. However the spike of Killing intent that emanated for the Hokage's aid showed that it had worked. Just not what he had hoped for.
"No. Naruto is still missing Danzo. Yet another reason for going into the field personally. You thought he was a threat if he wasn't in your hands, didn't you?" Tsunade stated, her honey brown eyes finally peering and meeting the steady gazes of the Council members who saw a look in them that they did not like. It was a dead look in her eyes that showed that she was not afraid to break them in two if she had the urge. Such a blind raging fire behind those dead irises was enough for them to shut their mouths. "Think of it another way. What happens when Naruto is out of your hands and has his sites set on us by someone else? That's a lot of power there. You've witnessed the destruction first hand. Do I need to hint what sort of trouble that might cause for you and your ambitions Danzo?"
It was facts that let all of them begin to pale at the thought of what may yet come to haunt them in the near or far future. Naruto in the hands of the enemy caused all three of them to glare down at her. "And this is your fault."
"Is that so Kothari? Who were the ones that crippled his education? Who were the ones that neglected their duties to properly train him to protect the village? You three have done more damage in the last thirteen years than the enemy did to us in fifty. And guess what, your neglect ion now comes with a price." Tsunade stated as she slowly stood up, those honey brown eyes glaring towards the three in front of them. The only one that seemed to be unafraid of the Hokage at that moment was Danzo who was now mildly interested into what the Hokage was saying. In fact he seemed to be the only one that was cluing into what the Hokage was suggesting.
"What exactly are you proposing, Tsunade."
"An alliance." Tsunade stated, as she returned to her chair, glancing down towards the files once more. "We don't like each other. We don't need to. We have a problem. We have leaks that need to be permanently plugged. And we also have a problem with Naruto. Refer to him as else, and your inviting an early grave." Tsunade warned as she continued to read, not bothering to look up at them again. However the answer that she had given them really did not give them any thing to actually work with.
"Again what exactly are you proposing, Tsunade." Danzo stated, his one eye narrowing in annoyance. It was rare that he had ever needed to repeat himself.
"You all have connections and contacts during the war and after it as well. You have outside resources that are outside of Jiraiya's network. It's time to call in your old favours, and to dust off the IOU's. Because if we don't find Naruto then Konoha may not be in such a great position come tomorrow." Tsunade responded, while she continued to read. However after a moment, when the Council had been wondering what to do, Tsunade's honey brown eyes snapped up to meet theirs once again. "Your still here? I believe, as ninja under my command, you've been given your tasks and orders. Shall I have you martialed for failure to abide by a superiors orders?" That statement alone had forced them into action. And thus they turned and exited, wondering just how much the young blonde's disappearance seemed to affect the Hokage that they knew.
-Later that night-
There he stood.
The lone figure standing in the rain, while looking down towards a large stone, with the names of hero's of the Village. Those that were carved upon its greatness were the ones that fought not only because of the orders that they were given, but those that had principles. Those that acted in the best interest of the Village and those that acted for their friends and comrades. His own father was listed among them, despite the failure that brought about the humiliation of the family name. The list of people that he knew that were listed upon the great brick of stone continued to grow. It also included that of his Sensei, and his two team mates; Minato Namikaze, Rin Inuzuka, and Obito Uchiha.
His name was Kakashi Hatake, and he was still alive while those that he cared for died around him. His family, his teammates, his sensei, even one of the genin that he was to instruct properly. And the reason for him being there, was to seek the forgiveness of all those that he knew, for the imbecilic teaching practices that he had used to work with three children who had very little in common, other than the fact that they graduated together. He sought their forgiveness for the favouritism that he showed to that of Sasuke Uchiha, and how he had shunned the other two of his charges while he worked privately with the last Uchiha. Oh the list for what he had wished to be forgiven for grew. But what he didn't know right away was that he was no long alone in the clearing with the Stone of Hero's.
It was not until a twig snapped that Kakashi turned his head to the side to see who was approaching him from behind, and was not surprised to find the last person of his team there. Sakura Haruno, a short young lady with lively pink hair and intelligent jade green eyes. It was true, she didn't show much muscle, and at first glance she did not seem to possess the necessary skills to make it in a ninja's line of work. However outside of combat, her skills went around towards that of Genjutsu and strategy and tactics. "Sakura… you're out late. Was there something the matter?"
"I could have asked you the same question, sensei." Sakura replied as she walked forwards, before she stood beside that of Kakashi who returned his gaze to the stone. Sakura had known that Kakashi knew people upon the old rock. Who they were, other than that of his father though, she didn't know. Not yet anyways. And she was not going to pry into the man's personal history to find out. If and when Kakashi wished to share what his past held, he would and not a moment sooner. "I've gotten orders to appear at Sasuke's trial. To give a testimony on the events at the Forest of Death.|
Hmmmm…. I had figured as much." Kakashi stated lazily. "Sasuke is in deep. Of course the ninja side of everything says that the boy should be executed for everything that he has done. The civilian side, when the search is called off and Naruto's disappearance becomes public knowledge, will back the Last Uchiha as a saviour and hero. The Prosecutor is going to be that of Ibiki. Sasuke's attorney has already been arranged… now we wait and see how patient and merciful the Hokage really is." Kakashi explained, before he cocked his head backwards to stare up at the grey clouds. It matched his mood. "In junction to Sasuke's trial, mine as a incompetent instructor will be brought into it as well. So he will not be the only one there that day." A statement that caught Sakura off guard. Her last team mate and sensei was now also in trouble because of the events of two people that didn't know how to act responsibly.
"You sensei? Why?"
"I did teach Sasuke the Chidori." Kakashi stated, sighing as though it were a great disappointment upon his part, returning is gaze back towards he monument of hero's. "A move that Sasuke used against Naruto on top of the hospital if you recall, and there were specific signs of damage that shows that it was used recently at the Valley of the end. It's a Rank-S Class Assassination technique Sakura. And I taught it to Sasuke." And Sakura absorbed the information that her sensei shared with her and she just shook her head.
"Just because he used it, doesn't mean that you should be brought into it because of Sasuke's stupidity." Sakura replied, before she looked up towards Kakashi, and saw that the man's head turned to look down at her. In either shock or astonishment at her words, Sakura could not tell and thus she bowed her head. "What?"
"That is about the last thing I expected to hear from you Sakura. Especially under all of the circumstances… With neglecting your training to help Sasuke better prepare for the Chuunin exams and helping Naruto finds a proper instructor as well." Kakashi stated. However there was a long pause Sakura mulled the man's words around in her head. And before long, Sakura sighed and shook her head.
"You've made poor choices Kakashi-Sensei. But it isn't too late to learn from them." Sakura stated as she returned her gaze back towards the monument, looking down towards the names there. For a moment, Kakashi wondered what he was going to do with the small pink haired genin beside him. But it was silently agreed upon.
No more words were needed to be spoken then.
The days flew by so quickly. The Council members and the Hokage were in meetings together four or five times a day. What they discussed was not shared, however messages, written in code or letters to old friends were constantly being sent out with the Mail Order ninja, ninja that were dedicated to getting the post where it needed to go as quickly as possible. However there was other news as well. Word had been leaked that Sasuke was under arrest and going to trial on charges of Desertion of Post, Assault on Genin Sakura Haruno, treachery for fleeing to operatives of the Sound Village and that of the Snake Sage, Orochimaru, and the Murder of Genin Naruto Uzumaki.
To say that the civilian populace was in an uproar about the last charge, they believed that the last Uchiha should be cleared of all other charges just for the fact that he had ended the fear of the Kyuubi return. The Ninja populace though, and those of their families understood the charges, and those that had spoke to friends on the mission knew that the charges were not exaggerated. The ninja populace also understood that through the actions of Sasuke Uchiha, the heirs of two clans were put into medical conditions that were so severe that if it had not been for the Hokage who left to the field, they would not be alive now. The Murder of Uzumaki had many of those that had come to respect and in time, befriend, the boy enraged. The Ninja Populace was in an uproar, and though the civilians got a petition going to have the Uchiha released, there were acts of public street brawling.
The observing of Naruto's memories, provided by that of Inochi of the Yamanaka clan, showed the battle in the odd place that the two boys were transported to. When the Hokage and the Council saw it, they were in shock. The battle was fierce, intense and it showed the level of honour that the young blonde had. Even Danzo had to admit the boy had qualities that were admirable. Ultimately the boy had failed when he ran off to save a young lady in a part of the building. And that was the end of it. The only thing that all could agree upon was hat there was a large explosion that echoed through out the entire building right before a fight flash. The next scene showed where Sasuke arrived back.
At the Valley of the End.
When the evidence and reports were all gathered, it was official. There was enough to convict Sasuke of treason. However the report provided by that of Jiraiya and Sorata Kimeraki was also disturbing. According to what they had discovered showed her and the council that there may have been extenuating circumstances. The Original seal that Orochimaru had applied to that of Sasuke was deemed to have altered the state of mind of the Young Uchiha. And if it had been sealed shortly after the application, such mind altering events may have been avoided. Such as it was, Kakashi deemed to have been to late when apply the seal that rendered Orochimaru's inert. But what had obviously troubled Sorata beyond reason, was that the fact still remained that they believed the seal to have been originated from the one they used as a pact between themselves and their Dragon Familiars.
-At the Court House -
"All rise for the honourable Lady Hokage, Proceeding over all matters of the case." A Jounin man chewing upon a senbon needle commanded, looking down towards the file that he held in his hand before he turned his head to look towards those at the room. There were many who wanted to see Sasuke be released there, and many who wanted to see the boy dead. As per his orders there were an extra abundance of Ninja in the room as well, looking to ensure that if things got out of hand, they had the man power to stop it? And for the second time in his collective memory, Tsunade entered the room with her long white and red flowing Hokage robes, swaying with every step that she took. She wore the hat, and that showed to all in the room, she was taking this seriously, and when she took her seat she nodded her head.
"Be seated." Tsunade stated, her honey brown eyes hidden in the shade of the Hokage hat. Something that kept all those who were attending from what she was thinking.
"Case is of Sasuke Uchiha. Case Number one-one-five-eight-three-six." The Jounin spoke, the script writing it down as a tab for the case before she nodded her head. He knew the signal, and thus he walked towards the door, and opened it. "Accused, step into the room and take your place upon the marble pedestal in the middle of the room." The Man explained, and thus Sasuke came walking out with odd markings upon his arms, neck and temple. Chakra consuming seals, eating away at his Chakra pathways, and for a moment he stood looking towards the various faces there. The sight of recognition showed up as he looked across the people that were gathered there. Kakashi Hatake and Sakura Haruno among others, but what he realized was that they would not meet his eyes. He was on his own. That was alright, he knew they had held him back from day one and from reaching his goals.
When Sasuke arrived at the Pedestal, his black eyes stared defiantly at the Hokage. If she gave any hint that she seemed displeased or that she even clearly noticed him, Tsunade gave no indication. And after a moment of Sasuke staring at the Hokage, he turned and looked towards the others at her side. The Clan Heads. Those of the major clans were up front, along with the council members and sitting at the left and right of the Hokage. The more minor clans and those of the Civilian Council sat behind those there. It was truly something when the whole assembly was brought forth. And each time it was, it had ended badly for the one that was being judged. He watched on as a quiet debate between the Jounin speaking and that of the Hokage before the man nodded his head. The chatter and whispers started as the two conversed. The only ones that did not whisper and disturb the silence were that of the Sand Trio that the Sand Village supplied for the recent mission. But it was not long before there was a mighty bang against the Hokage's desk at which she sat.
"We are now in session." Tsunade stated, her voice loud and commanding, and holding an edge that got the point across to everyone. Silence echoed through out the room as they watched the proceedings begin. "Sasuke Uchiha, Heir to the Uchiha Clan. You stand before this council and members of the village on accounts of Desertion, Treason, and Murder. How do you plead?" Tsunade asked her voice once again ringing through the air while Sasuke just glared. After a full minutes silence, it was made clear that Sasuke would not answer. "Let it be known and recorded that the accused has refused to speak. Also let it be known that representing the village party is that of Jounin Ibiki Morino." Tsunade's voice spoke, watching the script write the proceedings down, while Ibiki rose up from his sitting place near the front and walked forwards, before he bowed before the Hokage. A gesture that the Hokage nodded to, and when he rose, Ibiki rose up and looked towards Sasuke.
"Defendant, have you arranged or consulted that of any attorney?" Tsunade's voice questioned, again she was given silence and she nodded her head. "Jounin Morino. Present the evidence to this council and ruling body." She ordered and thus Ibiki nodded his scarred head as a large hand reached into his long black trench coat and pulled out a large black zippered case. Opening it and peering at its contents the man nodded his head, before he spoke.
"Village Party calls Sakura Haruno to speak." Ibiki called out. That brought out whispers from the people there. The person in question stood up, dressed in a formal black shirt and pants with her leaf headband in her pink hair, holding the short hair locks back. Sakura could feel the stares of those that she called friends and teammates upon her form. Hinata's white pearl eyes were covered in make up, to hide the red skin around her eyes, but there was no mistaking the blood shot look that she fixed Sakura with. Hinata was crushed that Naruto was now labeled dead, and it was no secret that the young Hyuuga heir had an anger and steel in her heart when it was needed. Quickly, Sakura took the stand that was to the left of the bench of the Council members, and took her place. "Please, State your name, rank and position for the record."
"Sakura Haruno, Genin Member of Squad Seven." Sakura stated as she stared at Ibiki's blank neutral face, the same one that he used for intimidation tactics at the first part of the Chuunin Exams. Only this time it was for life and death.
"Good. Now according to your recent report that was filed with the Hokage's office, the following event came to be in the second part of the Chuunin Exams. You and your team competed correct?" Ibiki asked, and Sakura just grinned slightly. She knew the exams. And she knew he knew they were there. But it she knew he was establishing a recorded record for the proceedings to work with.
"Yes."
"On the second day of the exams in question, you were encountered a Grass Ninja. Was a name given?"
"There was no exchanging of names. However the man had made it clear that he was looking for us." Sakura stated, And Ibiki nodded his head, flipping a page within the black clad book that he was using.
"Now the report, supplied by the Hokage herself, says as written '… When the man saw that Sasuke was tired and exhausted, incapable of fighting back, he stretched forth his head and neck like a vine and moved like a snake would. Despite Sasuke's attempts at evasion, the Grass Ninja's head gained ground and advanced. And when the Enemy's head came in reach of Sasuke's body, he bit into Sasuke's neck. When he pulled back, Sasuke was in immediate pain, and then dropped to the ground, unconscious.' Could you clarify for the court what happened next after this point?" Ibiki stated, and Sakura nodded her head.
"Yes. After the event in question, I got a look at the man's true face. And he spoke about how Sasuke would seek him out in the end of it all… If he survived." Sakura stated, not bothering to hide the grimace that she made when Sasuke turned and glared at her. However Ibiki had caught on and had soundly moved in and blocked the line of sight the two had with his body.
"You said that you had gotten a good look at the man's face. Did you recognize him?"
"Not at that time."
"If you would be so kind as to clarify on that point for the court."
"I didn't know his name at the time. However during the Sound and Sand Invasion of the Village, his name was revealed to be Orochimaru, and a picture of his likeness was supplied. He was the one that applied the seal to Sasuke's neck." Sakura stated. And there Ibiki nodded his head towards her as he flipped through the page.
"Very well. The seal itself it was dealt with correct?"
"Yes. I had asked Kakashi Sensei about it, however he had told me not to worry about it and that it was under control."
"I see. And in that meeting, Orochimaru gave Sasuke the means, determination and invitation to join him and to leave the village?" Ibiki questioned looking her straight in the eye. And in the light that the man put it in, he did make sense.
"Yes."
"Now according to the report provided later on, from you to the Hokage herself, you were the one that had initially found out that Sasuke was leaving the village. Did you try to stop him?"
"I did. I tried to persuade him into staying… and then I had asked to join him." Sakura stated shaking her head, as the murmuring began once again. Of course the Hokage's head, for the first time in that whole session turned to regard her. What the woman was thinking though none could actually tell. However there were many glares from her friends. And a sad look from her sensei.
"You attempted to join him in leaving?"
"Yes. I had thought that if I had gone with him, I could have convinced him to return the next day, and that we wouldn't get more than a fine, or suspended activity… I was a fool then." Sakura commented as she bowed her head, in both sadness and shame. But Ibiki's face softened slightly. Not many knew that he had family that suffered a similar experience. He would not judge her. And when he was about to ask her the next question, he found that he did not need to. "After he shot me down, I had threatened to summon the village's guards and to inform them of what he was about to do. He stopped me."
"May I ask how he stopped you from calling the patrols?"
"He used the speed that Kakashi-Sensei trained him to use for the Third part of the Chuunin Exams and got behind me before I could react. What move he used against me, I don't know. However I was rendered unconscious until the next morning. And from there I reported to the Hokage." Sakura stated, lowering her head once more.
"Village Party has no further questions for the witness." Ibiki stated as he turned away and moved towards the Hokage. And thus the Hokage nodded her head towards Ibiki in recognition of the statement, before she looked towards the council members and clan heads on either side of her, before she decided to speak.
"Have any of the Council Members or Clan Heads have any questions?" Most were reasonably satisfied with the Genin's report. However one man in particular had something to ask. And thus Danzo stood up from his seat.
"Genin Haruno. When you had realized that it was Orochimaru who had orchestrated the attack upon the village, did you think to tell anyone about the encounter that you had had within the forest?" He questioned and Sakura shook her head.
"No, I'm afraid not. It did not even come to my mine about the two, before the Heir to the Kimeraki Clan began to question me about it and I made the connection between the two, Sir." Sakura replied and the aged man raised an eyebrow towards her, and the look upon his face spoke to her that he did not believe her in the matter.
"You seem to have the uncanny knack for remembering things upon reflection on a later date. Could you not be mistaken about Orochimaru's involvement in the second stage of the Chuunin Exams?"
"No. I have a idealic memory. I can remember just about anything I wish to."
"Is that so? If I were to ask you to recite today's special at the restaurant on fifth, you would supply it?"
"I've never been there. So I'm afraid that I couldn't tell you the special." Sakura stated, with a shrug of her shoulders. However her inner thoughts spoke to her, and she knew what the old man was trying to do. He was attempting to discredit her. There was not a restaurant on the fifth street. It was primarily used as residential with the exception of the Ninja Forge for custom weapons and orders. And when the elder sat down, she knew she was safe for the time being.
"I've no further questions." Danzo stated and the Hokage nodded her head before glancing at Sakura.
"You may step down now, Sakura." Tsunade stated in that odd neutral voice, the same one that she had been using for the whole trial, and the one that inspired fear into those around her. None could tell what she was thinking at that moment. But everyone could tell the tone in the room. This was where a lesser man would have been broken. Sakura did as she was told, and Ibiki placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder as she passed, reassuring her that she had done well, while not voicing it.
"Village Party now calls Rock Lee to the stand." Ibiki stated, and it was thus something special as there was a massive battle cry from the back of the trial room. With no cause to do it, Lee jumped from his seat and struck a pose that made Maito Gai call proudly from where he stood.
"YOSH! I shall testify with the great Power of Youth! If I cannot give the answers that are needed I shall run around the village a hundred times with a twenty foot training post!" Rock Lee shouted and Maito Gai jumped up from his own seat and he openly hugged his favoured protégé
"Oh Lee!"
"Gai-Sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Gai-Sensei!" And at that bizarre moment, a strange aura appeared around them, one that generated a pink and blue mist. And then above the two Green Clad people an odd site came to be. Several birds floated around their heads and a rainbow sprouted from the ground and came around the two. It was indeed a site. A unique display that made the people to wonder just where they had learned the Justsu, a secret that even Kurenai, mistress of all Genjutsu could not figure out. Ibiki's own eyebrow managed to twitch. However when the display showed no signs of letting up, he took the initiative and walked forwards, and with a massive hand he separated the two before he looked down towards the young man.
"We need to finish this today, Lee. To the stand please."
"Yosh! Of course!" And thus Rock Lee jumped clear over top of Ibiki grinning all the way, before he sprinted towards the marble stand that Sakura once occupied and then gave the crowd, the council and the Hokage a thumbs up, mimicking the trade mark smile and wink that his sensei often used to address everyone. "I, Rock Lee, Genin of Team Gai, and the Green Beast of Konoha, shall now testify!" And all Ibiki could do was watch what the boy of the younger generation pulled, a look etched on his face that Tenten knew all to well.
"He's always like this, Sir… You tend to get used to it… At least his heart is always in the right place." She commented quietly to Ibiki who snorted and nodded his head towards her, before he to walked forwards towards the stand. "You've already stated your name, rank and position in your eagerness Lee. Now according to your report you arrived in a clearing to where Naruto was combating an odd ninja in and of himself. What did you do during the situation?"
"Yosh! After observing the combat taking place, I had noticed that Naruto Uzumaki, who was already upon the field when I arrived, was dangerously out classed by the odd man. The strange ninja had the ability to use his own body parts as weapons." Lee stated.
"Body Parts? How do you mean?"
"I mean that I observed him using his own bones to use as weapons. And he could create a wide variety of weapons, ranging from knives and swords, to that of spikes, sharpened arrow tips and odd flexible whips."
"I see. What happened after you arrived?"
"I witnessed that Sasuke Uchiha, emerge from a odd carrying device of sorts and take off into the wilderness with out even looking back to see how we were fairing. Truly this is the great set back of the hip attitude that Kakashi has passed down." Rock Lee commented, his voice changing to suit a somewhat disappointed tone while Ibiki looked on in confusion while Kakashi just blinked, and let out a 'Huh?' from the crowd.
"Thank you, Rock Lee." Ibiki stated as he moved towards Sorata who just chuckled from where he sat and shook his head. "No further questions, Lady Hokage." Ibiki stated before he returned to the small conversation that he and Sorata were using.
"Council Members? Are there any questions to be had?" Tsunade asked, and when she received nothing she turned and looked towards Lee, she nodded her head. "I do have one though. When Sasuke left was that the point where you and Naruto separated from one another?"
"It is."
"Very good. You may return to your seat." Tsunade stated and thus Lee with the same exuberance that he showed upon his arrival. How the boy remained to optimistic was beyond even the wisest of those assembled. And then there was more evidence provided by that of Kakashi, and then that of the forensics specialists, providing all the evidence that had been gathered. Sasuke himself was even called upon to speak. However he refused to answer the questions at the trial. Just when it seemed that all hope was lost, there was one crucial fact that remained one that Danzo did not see the need to never mention it. And thus he rose up out of his own chair, his cane hitting the ground as he went forwards.
"Lady Hokage, I'm afraid that there is still one fact that we have not yet brought up as well. In the Uchiha's defence, there has been concrete testing into the seal that was placed upon that of the neck of Sasuke." Danzo stated, and that caused a bit of an uproar with in the crowd. What sort of testing could the man have been referring to? What did it have to do with the seal and the Uchiha? Of course though, when the Hokage hammered the great marble stone against her the top of her desk.
"SILENCE!" Tsunade's voice boomed, and thus when the Hokage turned her gaze to look at Danzo, their eyes met. And he then and there he was now risking more than political alienage; he was risking life and limb. "Yes, I know what your getting at, council member Danzo. Since you have brought this information up, You may conduct the questioning as you see fit."
"Very well, Lady Hokage… I here by call Sorata Kimeraki, Heir to the Kimeraki Clan, to the stand." The elder stated, slamming the tip of his cane into that of the ground and allowing it to echo through the now silent room. And it wasn't a moment later that the heir to the Kimeraki Clan stood up from his seat beside the council, and then walked to the marble pedestal, and then sat down. "State your name, Rank, and Position with in the village."
"Sorata Kimeraki, Jounin, Temporary representative of the Kimeraki Clan on the clan council." Sorata stated the tone that he used indicating that he was bored of the proceedings and wished for them to be over with.
"You and Master Jiraiya returned from the mission to search for Missing Genin Naruto Uzumaki ahead of everyone else. In fact, it is logged and recorded that you went to the ANBU black operations building and various records show that you were there to conduct research into something. Can you enlighten us to what it was?" Danzo asked, and the narrowing of the blue eyes from the Kimeraki Clan Heir was enough for the elder to know that the matter was a sensitive one as well.
"I could. Master Jiraiya and I returned early because of recently brought to light evidence and analyzed the seal upon Sasuke's neck." Sorata stated. And when Danzo began to open his mouth, Sorata shook his head. "Don't waste your breathe. I'll save you the energy. What we found, when applied and monitored, the seal created a second sort of energy, and the brain pathways within Sasuke's mind showed two different sets. One the primary and a secondary on a much lower wave band." Sorata stated.
"You mentioned when it was properly monitored. Did it ever occur to you to use other equipment to monitor it? Or that the equipment that you were using could have been faulty or defective?" Danzo asked, remaining still as a statue and the man with the blue dread locks shook his head.
"As much as I would right now like to say yes to that question, I'm afraid that I have to say no. We've documented using three different machines. One of the brain monitoring machines in question was so generously loaned to us by that of the Konoha Hospital."
"Then there could be no mistaking that the evidence that you submitted on behalf of the Uchiha clan could be faulty in any way, correct?"
"No."
"Then do you have a theory or hypothesis as to how and why this came to be? Or what the second brain wave could have been formed." Danzo asked, and Sorata bowed his head forwards, rubbing his temples with his thumb and index finger.
"I have a theory that the seal used on Sasuke Uchiha was based off of the same seal that the Kimeraki use for our unique summoning contract. The implication of the seal and what it means for the Kimeraki Clan allows an individual to have contact with his familiar, no matter the distance." Sorata explained, and then held up his hand, silencing the next question that Danzo was beginning to utter. "The next part of your question is easily answered. The reason that I make the semblance between our seal and the one on Sasuke's neck is that the wave forms are on the exact same wave form of the secondary. Not exact frequencies because the secondary wave forms are coming from different sources. There fore I can only deduce that the Uchiha's head has been tampered with by the Seal planted, even long before a counter seal was applied to that of the neck by Kakashi Hatake."
"Is that so? So you are saying that the last Uchiha may not have been completely in control of his own actions?"
"That is what the evidence in this matter is leading to."
"But I asked what you are saying. The evidence has already been logged."
"An honest answer?" Sorata asked, smirking and shaking his head lightly. "You'll have it. That is what I'm saying."
"Thank you. I've no further questions." Danzo stated, before he turned and returned to his seat while Ibiki looked towards Sorata and nodded his head.
"I've no questions for the witness." Ibiki stated, with the Hokage nodding her head.
"Sorata Kimeraki, seeing as you are now apart of the case in question, you are now excluded from any discussion with the council on the matter of the trial for the time being." Tsunade stated, and when she received a nod in compliance with her order she looked around. "You may be seated. And if there are no further questions, the Council shall adjourn for the time being and this court shall reconvene in one hour's time. Have the accused escorted from the hall and into the jail to await our verdict." Tsunade ordered, slamming the round marble stone upon the top.
An Hour later, the council returned, with the Hokage and she nodded her head towards those assembled. She did not bother to address Sasuke, however all knew her attention was upon him. "Sasuke Uchiha. Your fate has been decided. We have decreed you Guilty of all Charges. What do you have to say before judgement?" And there Sasuke glared defiantly at her.
"This village has always held me back from my purpose, my goals. I was promised power to have my vengeance against that of the Traitor, Itachi Uchiha, and I regret nothing that I have done. Do what you will with me. I've no say in the matter."
"Impudent little brat. Your remorseless and cold child, disloyal and treacherous as a snake. And though it sickens me to do this, due to extenuating circumstances your life is, for now, spared." Tsunade stated shaking her head, before she leaned back into her seat. However those beside her saw that she gripped the arms of her chair like vices squeezing plastic. One could hear the wood cracking, splintering against the floor. "You are now officially stripped of rank and position of Ninja for the Hidden Leaf village. You are to be under house arrest in the manor of your clan. You may not leave the grounds of the Uchiha Manor. You are to be under constant military watch. Visitation rights will be allowed every Tuesday, Friday and every second Sunday. A meeting with council will be arranged, and it shall be decided then if you should retrain the ability to mould chakra for Jutsu, or train in any ninja arts. Court is now adjourned." Tsunade ordered and thus she stood up from her place, with the rest of the council. And then they filed out, with the clan heads following suit.
The days that followed the trial were a blur for those around the village. News of Sasuke's guilt pressed onwards and outwards. The Daimyo himself sent a missive to that of the Hokage, questioning what was to be done about that small problem with the Uchiha boy. And she had replied that she had done everything with in the law. And that she had wished life in prison. And it was the council that had outright refused to allow that to happen. The tool of the Sharingan was far too precious to them to allow it to go extinct. The Lord of the Land of Fire could understand the position of the Hokage, however had made a condition of his own. The guards were not to be anything of her own village. No. He insisted on men from his own units.
The White Dragon Samurai. Fifty of the most venerated swordsmen that were trained in the arts of chakra manipulation, making them vicious and equal to that of the Ninja. Only those that were trained in the ways that the Samurai followed were completely loyal to their lord. While the Ninja were hired men for combat. The Hokage had agreed readily, knowing that there were people with in the village that still sympathized with the Uchiha, or acted for another force that was not under their banner.
However there was still one matter left to be attended. That of Kakashi Hatake. A formal inquiry had been ordered and he to was brought forth to speak before the Hokage in the audience hall where many of his fellow Ninja, even that of the sole remaining member of squad seven was in the audience. And there behind a desk, was Tsunade. Though this time she was not within that of her Hokage robes. No this time she was in her traditional garb. That had made her all the more frightening, for Kakashi had made the mistake of looking in her eye, and it was like staring at the eyes of a predator.
"This inquiry is now in session. Kakashi Hatake, Jounin instructor for that of Squad Seven which included former Genin Sasuke Uchiha, Genin Sakura Haruno, and Naruto Uzumaki. The allegations into this is the teaching of S-ranked assassination technique to that of Former Genin Sasuke Uchiha, which was confirmed to be used once against that of a ally of Konoha, and suspected by the damage, at the valley of the end, the Chidori was used there as well, confirmed by your own word. What do you have to say for yourself?" Shizune questioned.
"That I'm guilty of the charges. I did teach Sasuke the Chidori to be used in that of critical moments in the Chuunin exams against Gaara of the Sand." Kakashi admitted, not bothering to hide the truth of the matter.
"Your reasoning, Kakashi?" Tsunade asked, intertwining her fingers within each other as she watched Kakashi who stood straight, and yet she had seen the worry in his one visible eye.
"At the time, Gaara of the Sand was not a stable individual. Observers from the Second Task of the Chuunin exams confirmed as much. And when I had learned that Gaara of the Sand had bee paired up against Sasuke I trained him in the use of the technique. To be used in a life and death situation only." Kakashi explained.
"You taught a genin an S-Ranked assassination technique to be used against only in a life and death situation? That is completely unacceptable. If you knew that Gaara was such a threat why then would you have taught him that instead of teaching him the importance of tactics and strategy?" Tsunade asked, her teeth gritting from that. She was not pleased with the answer that he had provided.
"The Chuunin exams were designed to counteract war by the demonstration of the next generation of ninja. So at that the time it seemed like a good idea. However analyzing it in retrospect and what he had used it for, I can say that the decision is flawed. Even at that time, Sasuke showed signs of instability due to the seal." Kakashi stated as he shook his head lightly, before he ran a hand through his silver hair as he watched Tsunade's eye twitch in irritation.
"He showed signs then? Are you positive?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes. And at the time I had thought that it was the seal that I had applied to Sasuke's neck fighting with that of Orochimaru's. And over time he seemed to balance out."
"I see." Tsunade stated before she shook her head. "Kakashi, for this I'm deeply disappointed in you. For you are in-avertedly caused the death of one of your own students. Under this situation I'm stripping you of your Jounin Sensei Licence and suspending your mission activity for two months with out pay." Tsunade stated. However when she was about to rise, and leave the room a voice rang out stopping it.
"Lady Hokage. That is not fair!" All eyes drifted to the standing form of Sakura Haruno, whose jade green eyes were narrowed and her fists clenched into shaking fists. She was frightened about what she was about to do. However Tsunade seemed to be thinking about something before she nodded her head.
"Alright, Sakura… I will indulge this further. I'll hear you out." Tsunade stated as she planted her fist upon her hip as she stood. Those in the room were silent as the two women stared at each other, the eldest of them waiting patiently while Kakashi stood between them, caught in the cross fire. Definitely not the safest place to be.
"I said it wasn't fair. And you know it Lady Hokage."
"Oh? Do you have something that might sway the argument in your favour?"
"Yes I do." Sakura stated as she approached to stand beside her sensei, continuing to stare the Hokage down. "Blaming Kakashi for the teaching of Sasuke isn't fair. If your going to do this, then the Third Hokage should have punished himself, or that of you and Master Jiraiya for Orochimaru and his defection." Sakura pointed out, and that was where Tsunade's emotionless mask slipped. The honey brown eyes narrowed to dark slits, the clipboard that she had been holding for the papers of Kakashi's suspension shattered within her grasp.
"What did you just say, Sakura?" Tsunade asked with a deadly low voice. That was crossing the line and hitting below the belt and everyone in the room knew it. But there was clapping coming from the crowd. And it was from that of Sorata Kimeraki, who had his feet propped up on an empty chair and was grinning like a lunatic.
"She's got you there, Lady Hokage. A low blow though. A low blow. But one has to wonder should we blame you for the crimes and desertion of that of your own former teammate, Orochimaru?" Sorata asked, ceasing the clapping and crossing his muscular arms over his chest, watching the Hokage intently. This was now quickly beginning to become a political game. And one that the Hokage would not win. The silence in the room was so still that you could have heard a cricket chirping a mile off. And after five minutes of thinking she just shook her head.
"What would you have me do instead of this Sakura?"
"Allow him to teach. To prove to you that he isn't such a lost cause?"
"A new squad of Genin? Fat chance, he completely botched his assignment with you." Tsunade stated, and then she realized what Sakura was now implementing. She had maneuvered herself as the test. And Tsunade had finally clued in. The next thing that was spoken confirmed her suspicions.
"Then let him finish with the old team first."
"What about you're training in the medical field?" Tsunade asked, and Sakura shook her head lightly towards her.
"I don't think that that is going to be a problem. There will always be time for that in the future though." Sakura stated as she bowed her head, and Tsunade just sighed and shook her head lightly.
"I'm bound to regret this later Sakura. But you've made your case and won. Kakashi will retain his title as Jounin Instructor of you. May whatever god you believe in have mercy on you, your chances are slim at best." Tsunade stated as she turned and walked out of the room and into the hallway, followed by that of her assistant, Shizune who was looking very pale and quite worried. And when the door that the Hokage had exited shut, the room broke into a bustle. The people with in the room all scattered, clapping Kakashi and Sakura on the shoulders. And it was a full ten minutes before either of them spoke to one another, for neither of them left the room.
"Sakura… Why?"
"Because, you're all I have left. Think I'm going to just simply let that go?" Sakura asked as she turned to regard her sensei who stared down at her. And understanding passed between the two. And thus Kakashi gave her one of those one eyed smiles.
"Sakura. Thanks." Kakashi stated, however paused when Sakura grabbed him by the collar and brought his face level to that with hers. The sheer intensity of the stare was enough for him to simply be afraid. And then he remembered the Hokage's words. What she had said about the medical training. And his single eye widened slightly as he clued into what she gave up to help him.
"Kakashi sensei… you're going to train me seriously from now on." Sakura stated and she watched as he nodded his head towards her. It was agreed upon. Fifteen minutes later, Sakura and Kakashi had come to an arrangement of meeting in the morning. Early in the morning and both had sealed the agreement on that of a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen, in memory of that of a lost friend.
-Chapter End-
Next Chapter: Sakura's new field
Author's notes:
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I have left Sasuke alive. Oh just imagine the fun I'm going to have with that. Oh the torture, he inhumane things that Anko will now get to do to him. I think I'll start with a potent laxative. You guys can flame me for what I have done, but I've got plans for our resident emo brat. Oh yes I do, oh yes I do.
Falcon S. Kimeraki