Chapter 18

Righteous Fury.

Ok, well most people were eager about the 'plot twist' while one person was freaked out (I'm so sorry!) and another thought I was stupid. So I'm just gonna say this – It's my strange twisted mind so the next three chapters are what makes sense to me, if it seems stupid or unbelievable to you – that's why. Also, I hate politics, but I think I did a reasonable job portraying its twisted workings here.

But regardless I truly believe the next few chapters will be entertaining (they were fun to write if nothing else) so the only thing left to say is-

I hope you enjoy.

….

"They what?"

Izumo fought his natural instinct to duck and cover. He could almost see the venom and fury dipping from Tsunade's words as she spat them out. Luckily, he knew her rage wasn't directed at him, but at the Stone shinobi now waiting down the hall, being kept in place by Iwashi, Genma and about five ANBU, all of whom had been very willing to volunteer. (Genma had also offered to knock them out then dump them in the river. Izumo had been tempted to take that offer, if only Kotetsu hadn't raised the alarm already)

Izumo mentally sighed as he watched his leader seethe in panicked fury before him. It had started out as such a nice day too, with him no longer hacking his lungs up in bed, choking down Koetesu's sorry attempts at cooking. Izuko loved Ko, with all his heart, but the guys culinary escapades really should have been put down as hazardous substance long ago. Seriously, it was the exception to the rule 'it's the thought that counts'. It most certainly does count, just not when the thought is at risk of killing on contact.

But, back to the nice day.

The sun was out and the gate traffic was slow, meaning both he and Ko were able to just sit back and enjoy themselves, soaking in the warm rays and cool breeze while reading their favorite books, easy banter and touches flowing between them.

Then, they had appeared.

The party from Stone had at first just tried to walk straight in, huddled up close to a Konoha farmer coming in with his wagon for the market. All the gate guards knew the farmer and usually they simply called out greetings to him as he passed, which was when Izumo had noticed the four pairs of shinobi standard issue boots behind the wagon. Hardly anyone in Konoha wore boots; they were too warm for the normal weather and were horrible for standing in trees.

The party had tried to sneak in the old fashion way, as the village wards blocked against all manner of henge and other concealment justu. Izumo did have to hand it to the Stone nin however, even if their plan was pathetic for a pre-genin (setting aside the face Konoha did have exceptionally conniving pre-genin – everyone blamed Iruka for that one) they at least were smart enough to know they were most likely not going to be welcomed in the village.

The second thing about them Izumo had noticed was they were all very young, no one over twenty-five was his guess (and he was very good at reading people in one look, that's why he was one of the gate guards) which - while it was not strange for the two guard's to be young - it was extremely odd for the two representatives. If Izumo was to hazard a guess, he would say they were here on their own accord, not under someone's orders.

None of the other villages would request interviews with Tsunade anymore unless they had a party of over seven, half of whom were extremely good talkers and came bearing 'mood setters' in the form of their country's famous wine or sake.

Yes, Konoha could be proud of not only being one of the first villages ever to have a female Kage , but that the rest of the shinobi world was just as scared of her as they were.

No, the group in the hall were young, cocky punks with bruised egos. Izumo was willing to put money down at Iruka was responsible for said bruises. He also knew, if the Stone nin had even an inkling of the kind of fury they had just unleashed in Tsunade - or what Iruka was capable of when not under the effect of whatever drugs they had doped him with - all four of them would be running for home, screaming at the top of their lungs in terror.

Face completely blank Izumo pulled himself back to the present and repeated the Stone nin's message to his Hokage. If only the stupid boys knew just what they were doing to themselves.

"They are demanding the return of their previous prisoner."

Tsunade's face was so red Izumo thought for a moment she might spontaneously combust. "Meaning Iruka"

A sadistic grin tilted his lips. "I'm assuming so, yes. They gave me a full description of him, so I'm guessing they never learnt his name"

That made her grin as well. "So this is a matter of pride"

Izumo nodded, watching as his leader grew thoughtful. One part of him was scared, he didn't want these men anywhere near his best friend; Iruka had been through enough, but another twisted side of him was rather proud. People always underestimated Iruka, and the Stone nin obviously were no exception. They'd started out trying to break one of Konoha's most feared Jounin, but in the end had failed to even obtain the name of its most love chuunin.

Most loved. Izumo's grin widened at that. Yes Iruka was definitely loved, which was why he had sent Kotetsu off to the mission room. The Stone nin had no idea yet but the instant Tsunade finished with them and they tried to leave they would find themselves face to face with every loyal ninja Kotetsu could round up in Iruka's defence. (something that would never be told to Iruka, ever, as what Iruka didn't know couldn't hurt them)

"Where is Iruka now?" Tsunade's fury had abated down to a sadistic smile. Izumo bit at his lip.

"That one I'm not sure"

Tsunade hummed as she leant back in her chair, one manicured nail tapping gently against the polished surface of her desk. "The Stone nin are fine to stay where they are?"

"Their guard would have doubled by now"

The smile twisted higher. "Good, let them stew. Go tell Genma to rile them up a bit, make them sweat. I'll send Hane for Ibiki; don't let them near this door until after he gets here"

Izumo suppressed a shudder at Tsunade's demonic look of glee as he bowed and exited the office. Nothing was scarier than Tsunade with brats to terrify, especially when they weren't her brats and she didn't have to exercise any restraint against their mental sanity.

Shaking his head in almost pity for the four Stone nin Izumo turned and jogged back down the hall to deliver the message to Genma.

…

Ibiki sighed, eyes shifting up once more even though the rest of his body didn't move from its hunched position over his desk. One large, scarred hand poised over a paper, pen clutched a little harder than necessary between thick fingers.

His glare was directed at the younger man slouched on the over side of the office, sprawled sideways on the old beat up couch Ibiki had dragged into his office years ago.

"Hatake…"

Kakashi didn't really move, just hummed lazily in replay.

"When I said you could come with me, I didn't mean stay with me. Shouldn't you be doing something?"

"Probably" Kakashi sighed again and rolled into a more comfortable position on the couch, the grey eye promptly closing again.

Ibiki glared at him a moment longer before giving it up and returning to his work with a growl. "See if I ever save you from Tsunade again, ungrateful-"

Kakashi smiled as he listened to Ibiki grumble to himself. This was even more fun than annoying Iruka as Ibiki was too professional to blow up. He wasn't going to push it, make unnecessary noise or the like, but lounging in the big underground office seemed to be annoying the big man plenty. It was also very comfy - and quiet. He'd have to add it to one of his favorite places to read.

Ibiki would love that.

Kakashi grinned and opened his natural eye again to glance at Ibiki upside down. The big Jounin was still muttering to himself and seemed to have developed a small facial twitch. Though whether or not it was Kakashi's doing or the fault of the mound of paperwork Ibiki was currently working his way through was hard to discern.

The grin widened before Kakashi pushed himself up, rolling off the couch and twisting to his feet in cat like grace, sighing mournfully while he did. "Alright Ibiki, I can tell when I'm not wanted"

"Really" the word was half growled half muttered as the shifting of paper never stopped.

Kakashi chuckled, marvelling at how he'd never noticed Ibiki's dry, snarky humor lurking under the big man's fearsome demeanour. "Pity, I was going to ask if you wanted anything from the barbeque for lunch"

The pen stopped. Kakashi fought back a snicker when Ibiki's brow twitched.

A previous conversation the other day had revealed that Ibiki loved Korean barbeque almost as much as the Akimichi clan, but he didn't go very often as that would be developing a habit. Habits, in the shinobi world, were a hard thing to balance as, no one could really avoid them, routine was natural to the human nature, but having to many outside of one's home was dangerous.

Very slowly, Ibiki raised his black eyes till they met amused grey. "Don't mock me, Hatake"

Kakashi grinned, his surname had never sounded so endearing, but he was really pushing his luck now. "Pul-Kogi?"

"Large, and it better be hot or I'll tie you to the rack"

Chuckling Kakashi mock saluted and headed for the door. Picking up lunch for Ibiki then dropping something off for Iruka sound like a wonderful plan. Plus he could dodge whatever mission Tsunade want him on while doing it. Kakashi loved multitasking.

The gloved hand had only just touched the door handle when Kakashi was forced to jump back to avoid having the door slammed into his face as the metal frame was thrown open from the other side. Moving fast Kakashi ducked to the side, disappearing into the far corner of the office with speed develop over years of training. Ibiki's eyes flicked to him momentarily before refocusing on the panting shinobi in front to him - Kakashi believed his name was Torno.

The man licked his lips nervously as he continued to suck in desperate gulps of air. Kakashi sincerely hoped the guy had just come from the west side of the village going full speed the whole time and not just the top floor. No ninja should get winded from dashing down ten flights of stairs and two halls.

"Report"

Kakashi blinked and consciously had to stop himself from speaking. Fuck, Ibiki should deal with all the reports with a voice like that; it was only slightly less respect demanding then Iruka's Teacher Voice (damn did Kakashi love Iruka's Teacher Voice)

The T&I nin instantly stood up taller and held out a note for Ibiki to take with a hand that was only slightly shaking.

"A party of Stone nin arrived, they are demanding the return of former prisoner Umino Iruka. Godiame-sama requests your presents immediately"

The metal pen in Ibiki's fingers snapped at the same moment Kakashi all but screamed "What?" from the corner. The poor intern turned stark white and did a strange half turn hopping movement as if he wasn't sure if he should whip around or keep his eyes on Ibiki.

Eventually he settled for keeping his body straight and turning his head to look at Kakashi. "Hatake-sama? Why are you here?"

"None of your fucking business" Kakashi growled the words low in the back of his throat as Ibiki brushed past his worker and out the door with speed surprising for a man his size. Kakashi quickly followed after him, leaving the confused and shaking intern behind.

"I thought you took those guys out?" Kakashi muted his voice with great effort as he moved to walk beside Ibiki.

"Obviously I miss a few"

Kakashi glanced over at the Interrogator cautiously. Ibiki's face was blank, impassive to the untrained eye, but Kakashi could see the fear lurking in the black eyes. Fear for Iruka.

Reaching out just as they reached the stairs Kakashi grabbed a broad shoulder, making the big Jounin stop and look at him. "Ibiki, Iruka's at your place"

A small amount of tension left the big shoulders and slowly Ibiki nodded, before Kakashi's grin turned feral and he swept past the other man, speaking over his shoulder as he started up the stairs. "And as for your oversight, we'll finish it properly this time."

…

Genma's hand curled into a fist as he surveyed the four nin before him. It would feel so fucking good to just slam his fist into their smug faces. Smash in those prefect pretty noses; slash at the smooth un-scarred skin.

The nin standing before him were kids, of that he had no doubt. They were more of children than a good few Genin Genma knew. These four hadn't been in battle; hadn't been sent on almost certain death missions. They hadn't coward in a hole so small it made every inch of your body go numb or ache while you stayed, unable to move for fear that one sound would mean having your guts ripped open by the enemy. Fear that the sound of your friends screams would be the last thing you'd hear.

No, these boys may have been older than most Genin, they may have been trained by the best, but they were not field hardened. The harsh life of the nin had yet to scar them, physically and mentally. The two guards were obviously from high families, born with enough chakra to be trained then sent off on nice cushy missions to keep them safe while coddling their ego. It looked like that included serving as bodyguards to children of Stone's high and respected.

The 'dignitary' and the 'rep' were obviously borrowing those titles, from their fathers most likely – or mothers. Of the many things Shinobi were, sexist was not one of them. Genma was more afraid of the women in the village than he was the men. Yes, Kounichi were something to be admired and feared in more or less equal parts.

Genma's best guess was the two were friends and the lords son was simply helping the representative from Stones T&I, who was here after seeing his parent take a blow for not only losing Ibiki – it had been an extremely elaborate plan to capture the specialist after all – but for failing to break the chuunin with him. Genma had only been to Stone once before but he clearly remembered they were much more stuck on ranks than Konoha as they didn't have scary chuunin like Iruka, Izumo and Hana to take them down a few pegs.

No Konoha, for the most part - there were a few weirdoes out there - didn't give a hoot about rank. Hell, Naruto had spent years as a Genin when his skill level was above Sage.

Genma wanted them gone. He didn't know where they got off thinking they could march in and demand the return of a captive, but they were dangerously close to starting a war. The only reason they hadn't been tossed out in the most humiliating way possible was because Tsunade needed to figure out who they were first, once she knew how important they were and whether or not they had the power to start a war then she could decide how to treat them.

Personally Genma was hoping for a show of strength from his Hokage. It was always entertaining to watch someone fly through the wall when you didn't have to worry about your own ass being next.

The sound of heavy footfalls coming down the hall had Genma turning from his study to glance up, a smirk tilting his thin lips and the seabon held between them as he saw a fuming Ibiki stalking toward them. Black boots falling hard with every step, the battered, worn trench coat swirling behind the huge imposing form. Ibiki looked fucking terrifying, in the good way though, the way that made Genma extremely smug and grateful the big man was on their side.

Especially since the Stone punks had turned to look when he had, and now looked ready piss themselves – or throw up, Genma wasn't choosy which.

Iwashi gave a small gasp beside him and Genma glanced over, confused, when a flash of silver made him look back at Interrogator. Genma's jaw dropped (though surprisingly the seabon didn't fall, an impressive feat) when he caught sight an easily recognizable shock of silver hair just before Kakashi came fully into sight.

The copy nin was walking a pace or so behind Ibiki, looking no less impressive – an amazing ability indeed considering he was still slouching. The fact Ibiki towered over the silver haired Jounin only seemed to make the both of them more imposing in some strange way. Standing next to Kakashi made Ibiki look even bigger while Kakashi seemed to draw in an aura of power in the fact he wasn't daunted by the larger man's aura.

Genma glanced back at the Stone nin and had to suppress a snicker. One of the guards and turned so pale it was a wonder he was sprawled out on the floor while the other looked ready to run away screaming.

Genma was feeling a little woozy himself, but for completely different reasons. He of course had heard Anko's little rumor mill about the two and Iruka, though he hadn't really been sure if he could peg it down as truth. Guess now he knew. As disappointing as it was he hadn't dug out the scoop first, he now led the second stream of gossip.

Anko was going down.

"Morino-sama, Kakashi" Genma grinned lazily as the two Jounin drew level with him and the other guards (which now numbered somewhere over a dozen)

"Shiranui" Ibiki merely nodded, growling the name in greeting as he passed, black eyes flickering momentarily toward the party.

"Gen, how's it going?" Genma was sure Kakashi's grin would have been all teeth if not for the mask as the copy nin stopped next to the Tokujo, gloved hands shoved casually in his pockets, the lone eye flicking over the Stone nin in an almost bored way.

Leaning against the wall and flicking his seabon to the side Genma returning the grin. "Oh, so-so. You?"

"Same"

The 'lord' shifted uncomfortably as they continued their small talk. Genma grinned and saw Kakashi do the same. It was an old joke for them, putting the group on edge.

"Exactly when are you morons going to get your act together? We've been waiting for half an hour!"

Genma frowned at the representative's outburst. That kid was really trying to get himself killed. "Well, since you gave no warning to your visit we've had to collect people from across the village. If you had told us you were coming…" he let that fade off as a point off to how annoying and stupid the Leaf nin found their group.

The rep obviously got the hint as he turned red with anger before snorting. "It's a fucking chuunin, how much of a deal do you have to make out of it?"

A low, wolf like growl came from Kakashi just before the copy nin moved right into the representative's personal space, drawing up to his full height for the first time. Without the slouch Kakashi was a good half foot taller than the other man, a difference that seemed to increase with the close proximity.

The nin paled and tried to step away, only to be backed by an ANBU.

"Repeat that, I dare you" Kakashi's voice could have made a blizzard look warm. The rep's eyes grew wide and his knees started to shake.

"Kakashi" Genma pulled his seabon from his mouth and twirled it between his fingers in a bored fashion; he flashed a grin toward his friend. "Don't overdo it; he shits himself or faints we'll have to take care of him" Genma made a face, showing just how little that thought appealed to him. The rep turned red with rage but in a surprising show of wisdom kept his mouth shut.

Kakashi snorted, but listened to his friend, turning gracefully on his heel and gliding down the hall after Ibiki, looking every inch the legend he was. Genma knew he was doing it on purpose, Kakashi hated flaunting, but there were moments when it was rather useful.

Time ticked on as Ibiki and Kakashi were obviously briefed over what was about to happen, Genma also suspected it was a ploy to make the Stone nin even more uncomfortable and nervous. It didn't matter to him either way, they could stew for another six hours as far as he cared. Though if that were to happen he'd have to get a book or something, he didn't mind them being bored, but he refused to be so.

He was saved from this however when Iwashi suddenly appeared next to him, a grim smile on his lip as he leant in to whisper they were ready.

The seabon twisted as Genma heaved a sigh and pushed away from the wall he'd been leaning on.

"Alright boy'os, you can go in now"

The reactions were varied. The guards seemed to relax while the lord stiffened, the rep straightened himself up, muttering something that sounded like 'finally' as he brushed passed the Tokujo, the other three following at his heels as they disappeared down the hall.

...

- Pul-kogi; marinated beef with spiced noodles and steamed veggies.

MHHHAHAHAHAHA! (I'm enjoying this - can you tell?)

well, I'm actually finished writing the story (just finishing up the bonus chaps) so I figured I'd stop being cheep and start posting up faster. Next chapter will go up when I have the time to change it from the wall of red and green horror that is all my first drafts. *sigh* editing for me is a time consuming process (this is why I don't have/want a beta, they'd die from horror)

anywhos, hope you liked. does it make a little more sense now?

(post note. Fav scene - Kashi and Ibi in Ibiki's office.)