Chapter 13
Loose Threads
Iruka sighed. The journey back to the Raikage's complex was slow – and they encountered a few small pockets of Hatake loyalists along the way – but thankfully it was nothing that couldn't be easily dealt with by the group of chunin and jonin sent to back up the Retrieval Squad. One more thing Iruka was thankful for was that Kakashi was still unconscious – especially after Bear's initial analysis of the man's mental health at the rendezvous point left everyone on edge. Ibiki's name had been mentioned more than once – and Crow went so far as to send one of his summons ahead to give the heads up to Konoha of what would be required upon their return. But that was still weeks away – and meanwhile, it was Iruka's job to make sure Kakashi's health didn't decline.
It was for just that reason that having Kakashi unconscious was for the best – after all, it kept the silver-haired man from using his badly healed arm more than he already had, and allowed Iruka the opportunity to better address some of the more serious injuries he'd discovered hidden under the layers of dirt and blood. Although Iruka never laid claim to having any type of truly advanced medical techniques, his knowledge of more than rudimentary field medicine was able to let him recognize that Kakashi's arm was reset very poorly. He could only hope that by the time they met up with Chuutetsu that there'd be something the medic could do to keep any permanent damage to a minimum until it could be addressed in Konoha.
Iruka settled his pack down next to where Rat and Lizard set Kakashi's stretcher and he went to kneel next to his patient. Halfway down, a pained hiss escaped from his lips when the skin pulled on his own injured thigh.
Rat turned his masked face in Iruka's direction. "Make sure you care for your own injuries as well, Sensei."
Iruka felt the flush of embarrassment creep across his cheeks, and found himself wishing he still had the ANBU mask to cover his reactions. He forced a smile onto his face.
"I'll make sure to do that – right after I check on Kakashi."
This time Lizard spoke up – the arms crossed in front of his body a sure sign that there was a frown hidden behind the mask. "You'll check it now, Iruka-sensei. Wolf won't mind waiting."
Iruka felt himself turn redder and lowered his head to stare at his field pack. "Yes, Lizard – I see your point."
Rat squatted in front of him. "I'll help you clean and dress it, Sensei."
Iruka met the masked-man's eyes. "That's not necessary Rat. I can manage."
The ANBU member tipped his head to one side. "It wasn't a request."
Iruka sighed and moved himself into a better position for Rat to have access to the wound. The ANBU member's movements were quick and efficient – although none to gentle – and soon Iruka's leg was wrapped in clean bandages over a healing salve that was evidently a part of every ANBU's field pack. The non-scented ointment numbed the area and left a soothing coolness everywhere it was applied. Obviously this was one more reason so many ANBU over the years had been able to function and return to Konoha even with wounds that should have kept them from moving. Although Iruka could see the logic in such an ointment's use – he couldn't help but wonder how many permanent injuries could have been lessened, or avoided altogether, if the shinobi in question had felt a bit more of their pain.
Finished with the task, Rat stood to leave. Iruka's hand on his wrist made the ANBU pause and stare back down at him. Iruka smiled. "Thank you, Rat."
The man shrugged and walked silently away. Iruka sighed once more at how strange his companions on this mission were, and then turned his full attention back to Kakashi. The man's breathing was shallow, but steady, and he didn't show any signs of a fever – which was a relief. His pallor seemed a bit paler than normal, but it could just be that Iruka wasn't quite used to seeing so much of Kakashi's skin when looking at his face. Iruka held one hand up in front of his eyes to visually cover the lower portion of his patient's face and had to admit he still wasn't sure if the skin tone was off or not.
He shifted his attention to the countless wounds scattered across the rest of the Copy-ninja's body. Iruka pulled a jar of ointment from his own pack that was identical to the one Rat used on his leg wound. Staring at the jar, Iruka frowned. He'd need to use it a bit more sparingly once Kakashi woke up so that he could get an accurate idea of how the wounds were healing.
Iruka dipped his fingertips into the jar and systematically worked his way from Kakashi's toes toward his head – taking the time to change bandages as needed along the way. He noted how – even unconscious – Kakashi was able to exude danger from his very pores. Iruka shivered at that thought. He doubted that when he was asleep that anyone would find him even remotely frightening.
With a smirk on his face from that thought, Iruka spread some of the ointment on the deep bruises circling Kakashi's neck. The smirk turned to a frown when he recognized the distinct pattern of those bruises – someone had tried to strangle the Copy-ninja. He continued to rub the salve into the angry skin when he felt the vice-like grip of fingers around his wrist. A startled gasp escaped his lips but he didn't try to pull away. Instead he shifted his focus to the now open gray eye glaring back at him.
Iruka watched that eye carefully – failing to see any recognition in its depths. He tried to place a soothing smile on his face, but at the first movement of his lips the grip on his wrist tightened painfully. Iruka's mind raced and he tried to push back the fear he was starting to feel at the thought of what Kakashi might do to him. After all, he obviously didn't remember who he was – and he'd just woken up to find him with his hands around his throat. This was definitely not good.
Kakashi's words confirmed Iruka's fears. "Who the hell are you?"
Iruka pushed down his worries and tried to remember everything Crow, Badger and Bear had told him since they'd retrieved Kakashi. "Forgive me, Wolf – I am the medic assigned to the Retrieval Squad. I was just tending to your injuries."
"Where is your mask?"
Iruka swallowed. "It was damaged in the battle."
Kakashi's eye narrowed – as though he were weighing the truth of Iruka's words. Finally – after what felt far too long – the grip on his wrist lessened and then released. Kakashi's arm fell back to his side and his eye closed. Iruka sighed in relief and he finished applying the ointment to the bruises. He felt Kakashi relax ever so slightly under his touch and figured that was a good sign – until he heard Kakashi speak once more.
"Get Crow."
Iruka turned toward where he knew at least one of the ANBU was keeping an eye on him and motioned for Crow. A moment later and Crow was kneeling at his side.
"I take it he's awake?"
Before Iruka could respond, Kakashi's eye opened and he answered for himself. "Obviously."
The ANBU mask was moved to the side and Crow slid a senbon between his lips. A smirk graced his lips. "How do you feel?"
Kakashi's glance shifted to catch Iruka's gaze. "The medic's skill is passable."
Iruka frowned. Passable? He clenched his hands and resisted the urge to snap back at the rude comment – reminding himself that this was not the Kakashi he knew making the comment. It wasn't made any easier when Crow chuckled. Iruka shot the Squad Leader a death glare but it was ignored. Kakashi's next words snapped him out of his self-pitying moment.
"I need to go back – now."
Iruka's mouth dropped open. And his words escaped before he had a chance to stop them. "Are you insane?!? We just got you out of there – and you want to go back?!?"
He saw Kakashi glare at him, although it was obvious his words were for Crow. "Since when do you bring a recruit on missions? Who the hell is this, Crow? And why is he speaking to me at all?"
"Yeah – about that, Wolf..." Crow's hand scratched at the back of his head. "This wasn't exactly a by the book extraction."
Kakashi pushed himself up to sitting, although Iruka noticed he didn't use his right arm to do so. "Answer my questions Crow!"
Iruka flinched slightly at the harshness of Kakashi's tone – but Crow simply removed his senbon and returned the mask to its normal position. When he spoke, it was in the clipped business-like tone the teacher had come to relate to the ANBU side of Genma.
"He isn't a recruit, Wolf. He was assigned by the Hokage specifically for this mission. He doesn't understand the ANBU ways."
Kakashi's glare shifted to Iruka once more and the venom in his voice made it all the more clear that this was Wolf's persona. "I won't ask you again, Crow."
"This is Iruka Umino. Academy teacher – and the only shinobi available at the time with an understanding of advanced field medic techniques."
Kakashi's glare shifted back to Crow. "That shouldn't have mattered. He shouldn't be here."
That was it. Iruka had heard enough. "I'm here because I promised your Team I'd bring you back, you idiot!"
Kakashi turned that gaze back to Iruka and for the briefest moment Iruka thought he'd die from that look alone. "My Team is standing around me."
"What?!?" Iruka's eyes went wide. "Are you trying to tell me you don't remember Naruto and the others?"
Kakashi snarled. "What the hell does that Demon-brat have to do with any of this?"
Iruka felt his heart drop, and he honestly had no idea how to respond to that comment. Crow stepped in.
"Wolf, none of that matters right now. Why do you want us to go back to Kurogane's complex?"
The change in topic seemed to do the trick. Kakashi's gaze shifted back toward Crow and his eye hardened farther. "I need to take care of a few loose threads."
Iruka found his voice again. "Dammit – we only just got you out of there!"
Kakashi continued to stare at Crow while he answered. "If you want your Academy teacher to see tomorrow – I'd suggest you get him the hell away from me."
Iruka felt the blood rise in his cheeks at being dismissed in such a way, but a warning gesture from Crow kept him from speaking out again. He crossed his arms and listened while the two carried on the rest of their conversation as though he weren't even there.
"How far are we from the complex, Crow?"
"Three quarters of a day."
Wolf frowned. "I know I've been unconscious longer than that Crow. Why aren't we farther?"
Iruka saw Crow tense from the question. "Wolf – we needed to...stabilize you...before we could move out. That took more time then expected."
Wolf rolled his eyes at the explanation. "It's to be expected with inferior support, I suppose."
Iruka glared at the man on the stretcher. He was beginning to understand why everyone was on edge when Badger informed them about Wolf's persona returning...this man was a complete ass!
-- --
Ibiki sat at the counter of the Ichiraku Ramen stand with the members of Team Kakashi. They'd taken to meeting him here once a week – at the end of the business day so he wouldn't scare off customers – in order for him to catch up on how they were adjusting after their sessions with him. For the most part, he was pleased with their progress. All three spent time with others in the village now, and none of them were prone to the bouts of depression which had plagued them earlier in their treatments.
Still, Ibiki knew they weren't out of the woods yet. Any time mention of their last mission came up, all three of the young shinobi would become tense and silent. Granted – it took less time to snap them out of it as each day went by – still, it was a sure sign they weren't mission-ready yet. A fact that he needed to report to the Hokage this evening.
Sakura's exasperated voice caught Ibiki's attention. "Sai – that isn't what I meant."
The dark-haired boy turned a confused gaze at the kunoichi. "But you said you loved him."
Sakura rolled her eyes and frowned. "I said I love how he can bring out the best in us without seeming to try. That doesn't mean I love him."
Naruto was grinning like a fool and having a very hard time containing the laughter that was obviously trying to escape. Sai scratched his head. "So you hate Kakashi-sensei then?"
"No! That's not what I said!"
"So that means you love him!" Sai was grinning again.
Sakura's face was turning bright red, and Ibiki was afraid he'd have to step in to keep her from killing the young man when Naruto sneezed so hard he fell off his stool. The blond landed hard on his rear and stared up at those remaining at the counter.
Ibiki held back a grin. "Are you catching a cold, Naruto?"
Naruto blushed and stood up, brushing the dirt from the floor of as he moved to sit back down. "Wow – I don't know where that came from...I'm not sick at all."
Sakura giggled at him. "Maybe someone's talking about you, Naruto."
Sai shrugged. "Nah – who'd talk about that dickless panty-waist?"
Naruto growled and was about to launch himself at the younger man when the sudden appearance of two ANBU soldiers brought him up short. Ibiki kept his face neutral and turned to address the masked shinobi.
"How may we help you today, ANBU?"
The two bowed slightly in Ibiki's direction. "Your immediate presence is required at the Hokage Tower."
His brow arched slightly at the words. He already was scheduled to meet with the Hokage in three hours. For her to call for him sooner – when she knew he was working him Team Seven – could only mean trouble. He reached into his pocket for his money and laid down enough to pay for their meals.
"Sorry kids – duty calls."
Naruto jumped off his stool and stood in Ibiki's path. He stared into the young man's blue eyes waiting for him to speak.
"If...if it's news about Kakashi-sensei...you'll tell us, right?"
Ibiki watched the emotion fill those eyes – and for the first time since he'd started working with the young man, he saw a flicker of hope. He gave Naruto a curt nod. A grin spread across the boy's face and he stepped back to finish the bowl of ramen waiting on the counter.
Ibiki walked to where the ANBU were waiting for him, and in a puff of smoke, he and the two guards disappeared from the ramen stand and reappeared in the hallway outside the Hokage's office. Ibiki waited while one of the guards knocked on the door. At Tsunade's bidding, the door was opened, and Ibiki was ushered in.
He was led to the seat in front of the desk and then the guards disappeared from the room. Ibiki took a moment to take in his surroundings. He was the only one in the room aside from Tsunade, and the woman looked tired. More than that – she looked on the verge of tears. Ibiki suppressed the chill that threatened to run down his spine at that thought.
"Hokage – what has happened?"
She took a deep breath and then leaned her chin onto her folded hands – elbows perched on the desk. Her normally golden eyes looked dull – and her mouth was drawn into a thin line. "Ibiki – what can you tell me about Wolf?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Wolf has been the ANBU persona of Kakashi Hatake since he took up the mask as a teenager. He has never failed to complete a mission he was assigned – whether solo or leading a team as Captain."
Tsunade closed her eyes and made a clicking sound behind her teeth – a sound that Ibiki knew meant she was nearing the end of her patience. "I know all that Ibiki. What I need to hear about is why Crow, Bear and Badger are requesting you to come out and meet them in the field after they have reported a partially successful Retrieval Mission."
Ibiki frowned. "Partially successful?"
Tsunade opened her eyes and rubbed at her temple – doubtlessly trying to rub away a growing headache. "Yes, Ibiki – partially successful. Crow reported – and I quote – 'Although able to obtain our intended target, it was later discovered that it was Wolf who was retrieved.' What the hell does that mean?"
Ibiki knew he paled at the words but did nothing to hide his reaction. "Shit!"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him. "Ibiki – I have poured over every reference to Wolf I have been able to find – but nothing in the files explains the level of apprehension I'm seeing in your eyes right now. Obviously things have gone on in this village before I returned that I need to know about."
Ibiki lowered his head. He still had nightmares from his last encounter with Wolf – not to mention scars – and he knew by the phrasing of Crow's report that this had to be a full emergence of that persona. He lifted his eyes to meet the Hokage's hard stare.
"If you will come to my office, Hokage, I will retrieve the files that will explain the apprehension."
Tsunade frowned. "Your office? Why aren't the files here?"
"They were sealed by the Third Hokage and placed under my care after the last time we dealt with Wolf." He paused. "But it's necessary for you to see them to fully understand what Wolf's return means."
Tsunade leaned back in her chair. "Ibiki – why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like what I have to see?"
Ibiki sighed. "Because I know I'm not going to like having to show it to you, Hokage."
-- --
"Enough! Get your hands off me before I break them!" Wolf growled at the medic in an attempt to scare the fool off.
"Wolf – if you can find a way for me to splint your arm without using my hands I'll be glad to try it. Until then – just hold still and it'll be over soon enough!"
Wolf glared daggers at the red-faced medic, but he had to admit the man was definitely mission-focused. He suffered through the man tightly binding his arm into the confines of the field splint, and once it was over he pulled away and deliberately used that arm to push himself off the ground. He ignored the cursing from the younger man just as much as he ignored the flare-up of pain in the arm, and moved across the camp to where Crow was talking with a group of Konoha shinobi – the backup squads more than likely.
The Village must be in worse shape than he thought if they sent a gathering of such useless shinobi to help on this mission. The gathered ninja turned toward him at his approach and Wolf rolled his eyes. He placed a snarl on his lips when his eye met those of the Green Beast of Konoha. Wisely – that man averted his gaze and stepped back at his approach. Obviously the fool was remembering the last time they met.
Wolf moved his gaze to take in the rest of the faces. He saw Crow, Bear, Badger, Locust, Rat, Mouse and Lizard on the ANBU squad...an interesting choice. The remaining eight consisted of Gai and three youngsters – one of which looked like a clone of the older man. The young girl with the buns wore a sensible outfit for fighting and had a large scroll strapped across her back. She smiled warmly at him as though she knew him. He scowled and that look disappeared to be replaced by one of doubt. The tall black-haired man next to her kept his face blank of emotion as he met Wolf's gaze. By the looks of him he was one of the Hyuga clan. If he holds the Byakugan that could definitely come in handy.
He turned to the remaining four and frowned. Based on their uniforms he was looking at three chunin and a jonin. He didn't recognize the kid, but the rest were known to him. Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki were part of Asuma's team...but he didn't see the chain-smoking fool anywhere around. The jonin standing with them was Raidou Namiashi...a seasoned shinobi who had seen his share of difficult missions and survived – as was evidenced by the scar marking his face.
Something about the unknown kid seemed familiar...in the way he slouched and rolled his shoulders – as though he was bored with the prospect of waiting. But there was a sharpness in the youngster's eyes that told Wolf his mind was likely sharper than most. That thought was verified when the dark-haired kid stepped toward him and held his hand out to him. Wolf looked down in curiosity and saw a fresh face mask.
He met the boy's eyes and the kid shrugged. "I figured you might have need of a new mask by now...Wolf."
He took the mask and struggled to pull it over his head with the splint on his right arm – but he managed it and settled the familiar fabric in place over his nose and chin. He took a slow breath and faced the boy once more.
"What's your name kid?"
A strange look passed over the boy's face while he answered. "Shikamaru Nara."
Wolf smiled to himself. No wonder the kid looked familiar...he was related to Badger. Explained the way he thought ahead too – Badger was a whiz at strategy.
Finished with the others, he turned toward Crow. "There are two targets that cannot be left behind."
Crow crossed his arms. "Cannot? Or should not?"
Wolf stepped forward until he was directly in front of the man and growled. "Does it matter?"
Crow sighed. "I suppose not – we'll need the details."
Wolf raised his eyebrows. "What makes you think you're coming?"
Crow stood his ground. "Because the Hokage's orders supersede yours, Wolf."
"And what orders are those?"
"To stick to you like glue once we found you."
Wolf looked into the faces around him and saw every gaze was steady at those words. He narrowed his eyes and met Crow's eyes once more. "Fine. But get in my way and you'll regret it."
-- --
Akuma had spent a full day searching through Kurogane's complex for the treasure he was certain the bastard had hidden somewhere...but he came up empty. He was tired and frustrated and running out of time. Soon, he knew the remaining followers of the Hatake leader would be back to regroup...and it was his plan to be far away by the time they returned.
Turning down another corridor and opening up a random door, Akuma felt a grin slide across his face. Although it wasn't gems or coins...he knew it held a definite value to it. And more importantly – it could be used in the future as leverage if it was needed. He walked into the room and closed the door behind him.
On the far side of the room were two of the girls Kurogane used earlier in his scheme to repopulate the Hatake clan. They were huddled together on a bed. Three medics stood to the side, staring at him as he walked calmly across the floor. He put his most polished smile on his face and addressed them.
"As you know – I work for Lord Kurogane – and he has asked that I ensure your safety in the coming days. The compound has been compromised and he insisted that I take you to a safe house quite some distance away."
He saw the look of doubt settle on the medics' faces and he stepped closer to them. "The ladies are able to travel – are they not?"
The three exchanged a look before one of them cleared their throat. "These are the only two who have been successfully impregnated – but if we apply too much stress they are liable to lose the fetuses just like the others. Isn't there any way we can just stay here?"
Akuma shook his head. "Not unless you want them to fall into enemy hands."
The frightened sounds from the women on the bed told Akuma he'd won, even before the three medics reluctantly agreed that it would be best to move them. They spent the next half hour running around the room preparing bags of various medications and equipment and then, at last, were ready to go.
Akuma smiled and led the way through the corridors until he reached the North exit. Making certain there was no one aware of their movements – he led the small group through the rain and out of the complex grounds. They headed into the guts of the village toward the small house he'd occupied for the past year. Once the rain let up a bit more he'd get this group out of Lightning altogether and work on the angles he'd need to secure his own safety once Kakashi learned there were still women carrying his potential heirs.
His lips turned up in a smirk. He'd use one of his many techniques to keep this little band focused on the plan and then there'd be nothing to stop him from getting out of this hell-hole. He was certain he'd find someone out there who'd be more than willing to harbor this group of refugees. Who knows – perhaps his cousin Orochimaru would be interested in the breeders and what they carried – for the right price, of course.
His plan firmly in place – Akuma headed for his house – confident that he'd prepared for all the possibilities.
