Chapter 9
The Missions Continue
Shikamaru sighed as they were stopped – yet again – by a group of Lightning shinobi out on patrol. He knew this would happen of course – considering the amount of land they needed to cross to get to where the Raikage insisted the Clan seat for the Hatakes was located. But really – didn't Lightning have the means to communicate between their patrols to let them know a group was already cleared for passage? Of course, he already knew they didn't...so instead, he pulled out the papers from the Raikage that gave the group of Leaf shinobi safe passage through the Land of Lightning – watched as the patrol questioned their validity – just like the last two patrols – and then inevitably handed the papers back to Shikamaru and waved them on.
Each stop had two immediate effects – first – it delayed them from reaching their goal, and second – it caused Gai's barely contained agitation to boil even closer to the surface. While replacing the papers into his vest, Shikamaru noticed the bulging veins on the side of Gai's neck and knew the green-clad man was very close to losing his control. He frowned and wished Tsunade hadn't put him in charge of this mission. Once Gai exploded – and it was only a matter of time before that would happen – there would be no way to keep the patrols from reacting badly to them.
"Dammit." Shikamaru looked up into the sky – but the light, wispy clouds held no answers for him.
Raidou's voice at his side refocused his mind. "How much farther until we reach the others?"
Shikamaru shifted his gaze to the serious features of the older jonin. Raidou's scars gave the man's face a look of intensity that he was sure terrified the enemy – but it somehow eased Shikamaru's mind that there was someone with his years of experience in this team – his team. Shikamaru knew Raidou was not there to replace Asuma – something the man actually mentioned when first assigned to the team, and never again – and the two of them had already built a comfortable comradeship since the mission began.
Shikamaru scratched at the back of his neck. "Although it would have been easier for us if the location was close to where the Raikage dwells, it makes sense that it isn't. After all – for Kurogane Hatake to have built the following of jonin-level shinobi without the Raikage's knowledge, it had to be happening some distance away. So we still have another full day of running – more if we continue to be challenged by patrols – before we will reach the outskirts of the Hatake lands." Shikamaru sighed. "And the Clan house is on the far side of those lands – nestled in the sea-cliffs in the northeast corner of Lightning – at least another half-day from the clan border."
Raidou's dark eyes narrowed. "And how far before the patrols turn less than friendly?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "I calculated that this would probably be the last patrol that was fully loyal to the Raikage. Two more will likely have a mixture of those still with the Raikage and those who are sworn to Kurogane. Beyond that – they will be Hatake loyalists – and much more dangerous."
Raidou nodded. "That's probably a good reason to step off the path now. After all, even one loyalist to Kurogane getting word of us back to the Hatake lands will mean trouble in the long run."
Shikamaru smirked. "Yeah – and besides that – I doubt Gai-sensei would manage to remain calm if we were delayed any longer."
Raidou gave a short, deep laugh. "Good point. The last thing we need is a rampaging Green-beast."
Together they moved forward to fill in the rest of their group – and Shikamaru found himself comparing Raidou's laid back attitude to his former Sensei. He sighed again – and returned to his task.
-- --
Boudachi watched the medic's face while he worked desperately on Kakashi's arm. He'd managed to stop the man from bleeding to death, but he wasn't looking terribly confident now that he had to realign the broken bones. The uncertainty flared further when Kakashi let out a pained moan at any contact.
"Can't you give him something for the pain before you work on him?"
The medic glared back at him with a look in his eyes that made Boudachi feel like the answer should have been obvious. But it wasn't obvious to him, so he crossed his arms and made it crystal clear he was waiting for a response.
The medic stood up and met his eyes. "I can't give him anything for the pain until the mixture in his system runs its course."
Boudachi blinked. "What are you talking about?"
The medic sighed. "Lord Kurogane had us create a cocktail of drugs to enhance the subjects...err...umm...well..." The man blushed bright red before continuing. "He wanted us to make the subject responsive to certain stimuli regardless of what else was happening to him."
The medic stared back at Kakashi's face. "We thought it wasn't working at first – the subject didn't react to the women's...umm...stimulation at all...but we tested it on others and it worked fine. So we concluded this man was somehow blocking the drugs effect. It wasn't until his arm was broken that his control over the substance broke and it was allowed to do its job. Rather well from what the women have been reporting – considering the amount of pain he's been in."
Boudachi shook his head. "I should have realized Kurogane would find a way to work around any obstacles. How long before the drugs work their way out?"
The medic frowned. "The test subject's blood remained tainted for a full day after he...umm...finished showing signs of its effects. But the test subject only had half as much product as this man."
"Great. So where does that leave us?" Boudachi turned to look into Kakashi's face.
The medic sighed. "I don't have a choice. If I don't realign the bones and seal the wounds he'll likely die of infection. And Lord Kurogane made it clear that was not an option. I'm afraid we'll just have to hope the subject's heart can handle the pain."
Boudachi saw Kakashi's dark eye widen slightly at the comment. He should have known the Copy-ninja would be aware of what was going on. He knelt next to his silver-haired head and met his stare.
"You know what we need to do to save your life. I'm going to place something between your teeth to help you bear the worst of it. Okay?"
Kakashi's tired voice hissed through his teeth. "Just let me die."
Boudachi gave him a sad smile as he whispered his response so only Kakashi could hear him. "If it was in my power I'd do just that, Kakashi Hatake – but he's watching us even now."
A little louder, Boudachi addressed the medic. "Do you have a bite stick in your bag?"
The medic placed the item in his hand and Boudachi lifted it toward Kakashi's mouth. At first, the Copy-ninja looked as though he might refuse to open for the leather bound wood, but something in his eye made it clear he knew precisely how much this might hurt, and he slowly opened his teeth to allow the placement of the bite stick.
Boudachi turned back toward the medic. "What now?"
"I need you to hold him tightly at his shoulder while I try to twist and guide the bones back into place."
Boudachi frowned. "That doesn't sound terribly reassuring."
The medic shrugged. "It wasn't meant to."
Boudachi glanced back into Kakashi's eye and then sighed. He reached down to the cuff encircling the broken arm's wrist and released the catch. "Let's get this over with."
The medic positioned himself with one hand at the break and the other grasping firmly on the recently freed wrist, while Boudachi moved to Kakashi's shoulder and pinned the young man down with a firm hand. He felt the muscles under his fingers tense in anticipation of the next move, and then he felt the medic pull forcefully on the arm to pull the shards of bone back into place. Kakashi's teeth ground into the bite stick, and he saw the pain fill the dark orb of his uncovered eye. Sweat covered the Copy-ninja's skin almost instantly, and he squirmed under Boudachi's grip, trying to pull away from the medic's manipulations, and screaming in pain around the wood and leather in his mouth.
The medic's voice sounded strained. "I've got the shards back under the skin. Hold him still or I won't be able to line them up properly."
Boudachi swallowed hard and nodded. He tightened his grip on Kakashi's shoulder and met his eye. "It's almost over. Just hold on a little longer."
Kakashi's breathing came in ragged gasps past the bite stick, but his eye showed Boudachi that he understood his words. Boudachi's attention moved back to the medic and he watched the man twist Kakashi's arm back and forth a half dozen times until he seemed pleased with the results.
"Okay – now move your hand to support his wrist and elbow." It wasn't a request – more of an order – but Boudachi wasn't going to question the man right now.
He did as he was directed and tried to distance himself from the sounds of agony coming from Kakashi as the medic forced his chakra into the wounded area and tried to mend the damage as best as he could. Kurogane's followers included all manor of high-level ninja – but only a handful of them had true medical backgrounds, and even less were considered actual medics. Boudachi frowned. That meant this would not be the best of patch-ups, but at least this medic's skill was enough that Kakashi should be kept from death.
The medic stepped back and wiped a hand across his brow. "I've done all I can until the drugs are out of him. Now all we can do is wait."
Boudachi sighed. "Very well. Make sure you check him personally through the night."
The medic scowled at him. "What do you take me for? Of course I'll be checking him."
Boudachi held back a chuckle. He sometimes forgot the fierce loyalty toward Kurogane that these shinobi held. He was one of very few on the man's staff who didn't hail from Lightning – and so this blind loyalty was unfamiliar to him. He watched the medic pick up his tools and leave – still scowling and muttering under his breath.
Boudachi sat on the edge of Kakashi's bed near the recently mended arm and he gently replaced the restraint on the silver-haired man's wrist – although not quite as tight as it once was. He convinced himself it was in case the healing arm swelled in the night. Then he turned toward Kakashi's face and removed the bite stick.
The two men stared silently at each other. Boudachi knew the jonin was trying to figure out why he'd helped – both with setting his broken arm and loosening the cuff. The funny thing was – Boudachi was trying to figure that out himself. He reached over and pulled the yukata back over the prisoner's pale body – giving him at least the illusion of decency. Boudachi shook his head, sighed and pushed himself off the bed. He was suddenly more tired then he'd been in years – and the last thing he needed to do was think about crossing his lunatic boss. Without another look at the Copy-ninja, Boudachi left the room and headed back toward his own quarters – trying to silence the plethora of questions running around in his head.
-- --
Iruka blinked and tried to take in this latest twist. He rolled his shoulders and looked at the scroll in his hands once more. The detailed orders gave step by step instructions for the captured jonin to obtain certain items from the Raikage's office – but what was causing Iruka's discomfort was the fact that the items were to be delivered to the Hatake compound.
"This can't be right." Iruka looked at the scroll in his hand and shook his head. "This...this just can't be right."
Crow scratched at the back of his neck and sighed. "Iruka-sensei, you're the one who told us the jonin holding this scroll was being truthful. What is on that scroll that's making you doubt it now?"
Iruka held it out for the ANBU captain to take his own look. He watched Crow's muscles tense when he read the characters on the scroll. "Damn. This will definitely complicate things."
Iruka pushed his mask up and scratched at the scar across his nose, taking the opportunity the breathe in the air without having it filtered through the porcelain. "I always wondered why there were no other Hatakes in Konoha. I should have figured out that Kakashi was a refugee."
Crow shook his head. "But he isn't a refugee, Iruka. I turned three two days after Kakashi was born – in the Konoha hospital. I remember the day he was born clearly – because my mother gave birth to my little brother that same day, and I was trying to figure out why the kid next to him in the nursery had an old man's silver hair."
Iruka frowned. "So Kakashi was born in Konoha...but were his parents?"
Crow shrugged. "I don't know – but based on this latest information, I'd have to say that they weren't."
Iruka tried to fathom what would happen to cause someone to leave their village if it hadn't been totally destroyed...but came up with nothing. "Do you think whoever is behind this might be convinced Kakashi belongs here – and not in Konoha?"
Crow tipped his head to the side and scratched at his neck. "Probably – which means they will do everything in their power to keep us from taking him back. This mission just got a hell of a lot more dangerous."
Iruka watched Crow turn toward where the other ANBU were holding the prisoners and give one quick hand signal. Iruka's eyes went wide when he recognized it as the sign to end their lives. He felt his heart speed up as he turned his face to where the others stood and watched them efficiently and silently kill the Lightning jonin.
He jumped slightly at the feel of Crow's hand on his shoulder. "It had to be done Iruka. Accept that."
Iruka swallowed and pulled his mask back down into place. His voice was tight. "I know. But I don't have to like it."
Crow released his grip and walked back to the others. Iruka took a deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves and followed after him. He wondered how many of Kakashi's relatives still lived here, and whether the Copy-ninja would want to return to Konoha once they caught up to him. After all – he might decide to stay with his blood-relations once he met them.
Iruka frowned and found himself hoping that wasn't the case.
-- --
The last time Bear had been to Lightning there was no question that the Raikage was calling all the shots. Every mind he touched gave off a fierce loyalty toward the gruff man. This time, however, that loyalty was no longer toward the head of the Hidden Village. Instead – it was directed toward another man.
Every vision in the minds he'd explored during this mission brought the same face into focus...a face that Bear remembered all too well from his youth. The long silver hair, the icy gray eyes, the angular features, the broad muscular shoulders, and the confidence that seemed to surround the man...they were an almost exact copy of his first impression of Sakumo Hatake.
He'd been eleven when White Fang joined Konoha – and he remembered his father had been one of the jonin investigators who were involved with determining if the former Lightning jonin could be trusted or not. He'd watched his father use their family jutsu to delve deep into Sakumo's mind – and was allowed to attempt it himself for training purposes – and the two found a fierce loyalty to his wife and their unborn child. There was no devious plot against Konoha lingering in the recesses of Sakumo's mind – and in the end, the White Fang became an important part of the defenses for the Leaf Village.
It was obvious the man in the minds of these current jonin could not be Sakumo – so that left few options. It must be a relative of the White Fang who was now demanding such fierce loyalty from the Lightning ninja.
Bear looked toward where Crow and the Sensei were talking and caught the clear sign from the captain that these Lightning jonin were expendable. He sighed to himself as he watched Lizard and Rat efficiently end the captured ninjas' lives. He wondered how much more blood would spill before they found the Copy-ninja.
His thoughts went to the young man. He was so different than his father in most ways – yet at the same time he carried on the best traits of the man. His physical likeness in hair, face and eyes were obvious – but his body would never be as broad as his father's, and his mannerisms were much more subdued. Likely a side effect of having lost his father at so young an age – and in such a horrific way.
Bear knew that most of the village thought of White Fang as a villain for failing his mission...but secretly, Bear couldn't hate the man. After all – his father had been one of those that Sakumo went back for. And although he'd been seventeen at the time of the incident – and just about to become a jonin himself – he'd been secretly relieved that his father was given a second chance at life.
That was why Bear had been one of the first to volunteer to serve under the much younger Hatake when the boy was raised to the rank of ANBU Captain at the age of fifteen. He'd convinced Badger to join him as well, and they quickly became one of the most successful ANBU teams in Konoha's history. After his year's service under Wolf, Bear watched as one after another of the young silver-haired man's teams excelled with the least amount of lives lost. Soon, every member of ANBU looked forward to being assigned to Wolf's squad – including every ANBU member of this current extraction team.
Still – the fierceness of loyalty Bear felt in these Lightning jonin made him wonder if, perhaps this time, Wolf was in over his head. He shook his head to clear his thoughts and fell into place to continue to where they now knew Kakashi Hatake was being kept. They could only hope they weren't too late.
-- --
Gai was glad Shikamaru saw the need to get off the main road. This way they could increase their speed and reduce the need to interact with any more of those annoying Lightning patrols. Normally he'd have loved to compare styles of fighting with them – or maybe ask them how they kept so dry in such a rainy environment – after all, his own outfit was beginning to chafe in more than one place after the second straight day of rain. But this time, the only thing on his mind was the fact that his Eternal Rival was being kept somewhere in the distance against his will. Even now it made Gai's blood boil to think that anyone could be so incredibly rude as to force someone in the springtime of their youth – such as Kakashi was – to stay in such a soggy land against their wishes.
Gai frowned at what means these unknown rapscallions might be putting into play to keep his longtime friend and rival away from Konoha. And he held onto his hope that Kakashi's Will of Fire would be enough to see him through so dark a time.
Gai frowned – something he rarely did – and clenched his fists in frustration. He would never forgive himself if they didn't make it to Kakashi's side in time to save him. In fact, he would make sure to run one hundred – no – TWO hundred – laps around Konoha – on his hands – if they failed to reach Kakashi before the retrieval team did. Yes – that would be what he'd do!
Gai's frown turned into a look of contemplation. He pushed a bit more chakra into his feet and caught up with Shikamaru at the front of the formation. They ran on for a minute or so before the young Nara lad looked his way.
"Gai-sensei, is there a reason you've changed your position?" Shikamaru's tone made it clear that he didn't approve of him being out of his agreed upon place.
Gai placed a smile on his face and pulled nervously at the collar of his vest. "Ah – Shikamaru – I was simply wondering if perhaps we could increase our speed a bit more so that my Eternal Rival might not have to wait so long to be rescued from what is undoubtedly a most unpleasant experience for his Greatness?"
They ran on for a few more minutes – each one that passed causing Gai to sweat a bit more - as he waited for the team leader to make his decision. Gai ground his teeth impatiently – and just when he thought he'd have to ask again – for perhaps Shikamaru's hearing was not as youthful as he'd originally thought – the young man let out a large sigh.
"Although it would be bothersome if we use up all of our energy to reach Kakashi-sensei's location – I agree with your reasoning that it would be unwise for us to let him suffer any longer then absolutely necessary." Shikamaru turned and met Gai's eyes. "Tell the others that we will increase our speed at once."
Gai smiled and blinked back a tear. "Thank you Shikamaru. I am so glad to see you understand the spark of ..."
Shikamaru glared at him, causing Gai to stop speaking. "Just spread the news so we can get moving, okay?"
Gai gave his patented thumbs up and returned to his original position – making sure to spread the word as he went. He was glad he talked to the young Nara lad. It made it clear that he was not the only one concerned about his Eternal Rival's situation. Gai spent the rest of the journey thinking of just what he'd challenge Kakashi with once they all returned to the safety of Konoha's boundaries.
-- --
Wolf spent most of the night awake. Part of it was the drug still coursing through his blood, making it impossible to relax fully – and part of it was the constant throbbing pain radiating from his badly mended arm. Both were experiences he could have lived without.
Now he lay here – chained to the bed – physically and mentally exhausted – and wondering what new hell this man who claimed to be his uncle had in mind. He closed his eye and drew in a slow breath, trying to find the calm center that White Fang taught him to harness so long ago. If he could just disconnect himself from these unsettling feelings for a few hours he might still be able to come up with a way to use the aide's unexpected kindnesses in his favor.
He pushed away the pain with a bit of effort, and started to distance himself from the effects of the drugs, when he sensed his uncle crossing the room. He'd hoped that perhaps the man would think he was asleep if he just kept his eye closed and his breathing steady – but he should have known better with someone as insane as Kurogane appeared to be.
Wolf let out a pained gasp as the elder Hatake landed on the edge of the bed and nearly sang out to him. "I know you're awake Kakashi. You may as well open your eye."
Wolf growled as he opened his eyelid. Kurogane was sprawled on the mattress next to him, leaning his chin on his hands, and smiling in a most disturbing way. His icy gray eyes seemed to sparkle as he locked his gaze with Wolf's.
"You know – for someone who didn't want to participate in my plans for the future of the Hatake household, you managed to fulfill your role better than expected."
Wolf glared but said nothing. Kurogane laughed at him, and crawled up the bed until he could rest his head on Wolf's chest. The man's breath skated across Wolf's chin – a hot mixture scented with blood and sake.
"If it makes you feel any better about it, Nephew, I doubt we'll need to repeat that particular method for awhile."
Wolf frowned. "And why would that be?"
Kurogane's face lit up as he smiled and ran one of his hand's through Wolf's hair. "Ah – that, my boy, would be because all the signs seem to point to a very successful mission for you."
Wolf's frown deepened and his heart rate quickened. His uncle pushed himself up into a sitting position and glanced toward his broken arm. A sigh escaped the man's lips as he ran his fingers along Wolf's bandaged arm.
"It's a shame it had to come to this, Nephew – but perhaps it won't be necessary next time."
Wolf growled deep in his throat, causing the older man to turn toward him. "There won't be a next time."
Kurogane's smile twisted into a cruel smirk. "I thought we'd already gone over this, boy...you will do what I tell you to do."
Wolf's vision clouded in pain as Kurogane's hand closed around where the bones were trying to heal. The man continued to apply pressure until Wolf couldn't help but scream – certain that his bones would snap at any moment.
At the sound of the scream, Kurogane's grip loosened and his smile returned to his face. "Now why do you try my patience, Kakashi? You know I can't be held responsible for what I do when you say things like that."
Wolf's breath was ragged while he tried to regain control of himself. He glared at the man with as much hatred as he could, and pushed his words through teeth clenched in pain.
"I doubt you've been responsible a single day of your life. It's no wonder White Fang left."
Kurogane's expression became instantly unreadable – and for a moment, Wolf thought perhaps he'd finally pushed the man to the point where he'd kill him. Instead, his uncle knelt next to him and leaned in until his lips were brushing Wolf's ear. His words were barely above a whisper – but they were enough to chill Wolf's blood.
"At least when Sakumo left me, he was still alive...what must you have done to make him choose death over staying with you?"
Wolf growled as Kurogane stood up and left him alone – once more – with thoughts of his father's death.
