Chapter 18

The Howling of Wolves

Iruka fell onto the floor once Wolf let go of his throat. He gasped for air through a throat that – once again – had been forced closed by the Copy-ninja's strong fingers. The world around him narrowed until the only thing he could focus on was the face of the man lying on the bed. He replayed this latest incident over and over in his mind – knowing that something was different this time – but finding it hard to place a finger on it.

Chuutetsu's hand on his shoulder brought him out of his stupor. "Iruka? Can you hear me, Iruka?"

He blinked and turned to look at the medic. He saw concern in the older man's face and understood why a moment later when he felt gauze pressed up against his throat and saw the fresh blood on it when Chuutetsu lifted it away a moment later. Iruka sighed in frustration.

Chuutetsu pressed the gauze back in place and guided one of Iruka's hands up to it. "Iruka – hold this in place while I get my kit."

Iruka nodded mutely – wincing slightly when the movement pulled against the edges of the torn stitches. Crow caught his attention from across the bed.

"That was a bit too intense for my liking."

Iruka glared at the man. "You should try it from this side of the bed."

Ibiki's gruff voice interrupted them. "I take it he woke up?"

Iruka shifted his glare to the interrogator, but upon seeing his tired and haggard appearance, he softened that look. "Ibiki – are you okay?"

What passed for a grin stretched across the man's scarred face. "I'm not the one bleeding, Sensei. Are you planning on answering me?"

Iruka frowned and turned his gaze away from Ibiki. "Yes – he woke up. Then he tried to kill me – again."

Ibiki's words were almost too soft to hear. "Dammit...I thought we found him."

"You did, Ibiki." Crow's words made Iruka shift to look at the ANBU Captain while he continued to explain. "When he had his hand wrapped around Iruka's neck his eye was closed."

Iruka thought back to that moment of sheer panic...Crow was right...the eye was closed. That was the difference! "Crow's right! When his eye finally opened he let me go! More than that...he knew who I was!"

Ibiki nodded his head. "That's good. That's a very good start."

Iruka frowned. "Start? Doesn't it mean Kakashi's back?"

This time Bear picked up the conversation – sounding as tired as Ibiki looked. "It means Kakashi is still in there – and that he is willing to come back to the surface. Unfortunately he isn't alone in there."

"What the hell does that mean?" Iruka felt the edges of fear creeping back into his mind.

Ibiki sighed. "Kakashi has been through so much in his lifetime that he has built up his Wolf persona to be able to cope with things that would have destroyed the average shinobi. Unfortunately for him – that persona doesn't seem to want him to survive this time."

Iruka was getting confused. "What gives you that idea?"

Bear sat back. "The previous times I've entered Kakashi's mind, the Wolf persona was there...but it was always circling him protectively. This time...this time the wolves are hunting him."

Iruka's eyes went wide. "Wolves? Hunting?" He stared down at the sleeping man and saw the tension in his body in the way his brow furrowed.

Ibiki sighed. "We've built up some protections for him – but we'll need to go back in shortly if he's going to have a chance at surviving this. Meanwhile all we can do is wait."

Chuutetsu knelt next to Iruka and moved to pull his hand down from his neck. He met the medic's eyes and saw his concern for Kakashi mirrored in the other's gaze. "Let me take care of this in the meantime, Iruka."

He sat there – feeling numb – while Chuutetsu deftly repaired the ripped out stitches. When the man was finished, Iruka felt more tired than he had in quite some time. He closed his eyes and thought back to when he'd finally caught a glimpse of Kakashi. The man's gray eye held confusion and concern – not for himself, but for Iruka – in its depths. That Kakashi found the energy to worry for him – while still battling within his own mind – sent a shiver up Iruka's spine. He doubted he'd have been concerned for anyone else if he'd been in Kakashi's situation.

-- --


Kakashi tried to relax. He was sitting at the base of a tree, with his back leaning against the rough bark. His breathing had returned to a steady flow, and his body was almost fully recovered from the last wolf attack. A howl from below brought that attack to the forefront of his awareness and he thought back to how he was saved at the last moment.

Ibiki and Bear were unexpected presences and had helped him secure a safe place to rest. Of course, now that he recognized he was actually trapped within his mind, that feeling of safety hadn't lasted long. His own mind was working against him...and it was more than enough to make him wary. He didn't dare let his defenses down – or the side of him that created the wolves in the first place would just as surely design a way for the beasts to gain access to him again.

He had tried to break free of this mental prison with Ibiki and Bear – and had actually managed it briefly – but the vision of Iruka's throat in his hand forced other memories of his time as Wolf forward, and threw him back into the recesses of his mind. Even now – he could feel what Wolf had felt when he tried to end Iruka's life...and it frightened him that he'd been unable to identify his fellow Konoha shinobi.

Kakashi frowned when he realized it was quite possible Wolf actually had recognized them – but chose to ignore that bond all the same. As though in response to that thought, he heard the howls again and they seemed closer then before. He pushed himself up to standing, and walked to the edge of the bluff he was on and looked down to where he knew the wolves were waiting. Sure enough – he saw the Alpha systematically dragging over brush and tree limbs in his powerful jaws to advance their ability to scale the landscape.

"Shit!"

It was disconcerting enough to know that half his mind was not his to control, without adding the fact it was obvious that it wanted him eliminated. He watched warily while the remainder of the pack worked together to drag larger and larger sections of tree up the increasing slope. Kakashi wouldn't have to wait much longer before the beasts made it to the top. He went back to the tree and settled at its base – willing himself into a restful state. At his calculation, he'd have a half hour left before the wolves reached the rim – so that allowed him a solid twenty minutes to rest and plan.

He had to find some way to ensure that if he wasn't going to survive – then neither would the wolves. There was no way he'd allow that blood thirsty persona anywheres near the people he'd come to count as allies...and in some cases, as friends.

-- --


Crow decided to split the group into two distinct teams. The first would concentrate on rescuing Kakashi from himself...while the second would make certain Youki and the babies reached the safety of Konoha. The hard part was determining who went into which party.

There were the obvious picks: Team one had to include Ibiki and Bear...and Team two would hold Shizune, Youki and the Lightning medic...the question was, how would he split out the rest of them? Crow sighed – normally Kakashi would be the one to analyze the groups strengths and place them accordingly...but obviously he'd be no help today. That was when he remembered something Kakashi had told him recently. Crow smiled to himself and motioned for Shikamaru to join him.

"Okay kid – Kakashi once told me you'd give him a run for his money in strategy."

Shikamaru placed a slight frown on his face and rubbed at the back of his neck with his hand. "But no pressure, right?"

Crow chuckled. He was starting to see why Asuma put so much of his time into shaping this kid's values – and why Kakashi valued his input. He explained the purpose of the two teams and left him alone to contemplate the perfect groupings. Crow saw the young man push his fingers together in a box-like pattern, twisting his wrists so his thumbs were at the top.

Crow shook his head at the strange hand sign and walked over to where Chuutetsu was checking Iruka's wounds with Shizune. The dark-haired medic was using her chakra to speed up the healing of the chunin's leg wound, while busily explaining, in exacting detail, what the process entailed. The medic seemed thoroughly engrossed, while Iruka's eyes held the look of the condemned. He decided to provide the Academy Teacher a distraction.

"How are you healing, Iruka?"

The teacher smiled at him. "Rather well, actually. Shizune managed to speed things up enough that Chuutetsu should be able to remove the stitches today."

Chuutetsu's chuckle made the chunin blush. "I said maybe, Iruka. Until you can convince me you won't twist wrong or put strain on those areas, I'm still not comfortable removing them."

Crow held back a laugh at the pout Iruka placed on his face.

Shizune smiled at the foreign medic. "Really Chuutetsu, I can assure you the wounds won't just split open without your stitches. I'm a little more skilled than that!"

Now it was Chuutetsu's turn to blush and sputter. "Oh dear – I didn't mean to imply..."

She slapped the older man on his back. "It's okay, Chuutetsu. No offense taken."

Crow chuckled. "Well – whatever you plan to do – have it finished by noon."

Iruka frowned. "Noon?"

"Yup – I want to have at least half of us move out by then."

He left the three alone to argue out whether the stitches stayed or went and he moved on to where Gai and his team were standing. The Green Beast was still keeping his distance from where Kakashi was laying – and the normally exuberant personality was dialed down until he was almost stoic. It was more than a bit unnerving. Still, at Crow's approach, a small smile graced the man's face.

"Ah, Crow. It is good to see you looking so fit and ready to face the day's challenges!"

Crow grinned. "Good morning, Gai. Will you and your team be prepared to move out by noon if needed?"

There was the hint of a gleam in the man's dark eyes at the implied challenge – but his answer was far from its normal intensity.

"Of course, Crow. My team is always ready to face any challenge head on."

It was obvious by the looks of concern on his team's faces that they felt Gai was still not one hundred percent either.

"Gai – Ibiki and Bear will do their best to bring Kakashi back to us."

Gai's slow intake of breath spoke volumes. The spandex-wearing man glanced toward Kakashi, and a sad look overcame his face.

"It would be good if my Eternal Rival was returned soon."

Crow nodded. "Yeah – it would be."

He left Gai's team and moved on to where some of his own men were gathered...those that weren't currently on perimeter guard with Shikamaru's team. Badger, Lizard and Mouse nodded in acknowledgment as he joined them. He glanced over to see Ibiki and Bear in quiet discussion near Kakashi's bed. Just beyond them, he saw Youki and the medic from Lightning asleep against the far wall. He sighed and positioned himself so only his teammates could see his face as he pushed the mask to the side and slipped a senbon between his teeth. He repositioned the sharp needle three times before it finally felt okay. He still couldn't believe he'd snapped his favorite senbon – it would take him weeks to get this new one to feel just right. Before he could dwell on it for too long, Shikamaru moved to join them. Crow considered moving his mask back in place, but realized the kid likely already knew it was him anyway.

His guess was pretty much confirmed when Shikamaru's only reaction to his exposed face was a knowing smile.

"Crow...I have finished my assigned task."

He smiled at how the kid made sure not to call him by his given name. "So what did you come up with?"

Shikamaru glanced around at all the ANBU before he started. "Although it isn't always the best idea to split up established teams – for the greatest chance for success on the mission I'd suggest actually creating three separate groups."

Crow frowned. "Three? Explain."

Shikamaru pulled a scroll from his vest and rolled it out to show what he was proposing. In addition to the two teams Crow had initially suggested – Shikamaru created a third team to race back to Konoha to inform the Hokage of their circumstances and request a medical unit be on standby for the arrival of the woman bearing Kakashi's legacy.

"Heh – I didn't think of that – but it makes sense."

Shikamaru rolled his eyes and continued to explain. "The first team needs the medical prowess of Shizune to keep the babies stable. And should include Neji so that they will be aware of approaching trouble and counter it accordingly. Which is also why I included Mouse in the team – to provide adequate camouflage as needed. Badger should go as well to provide the ability to counter multiple attackers in one shot – and then I would suggest Kotetsu and Izumo to complete the team. They are familiar with each others styles and can easily integrate themselves with Badger...as they are used to his particular style of jutsus."

Crow raised an eyebrow at that last comment. "And for the second team?"

Shikamaru sighed. "Obviously Ibiki and Bear will need to stay...and I would suggest Chuutetsu and Iruka as well, so that we have at least some level of medical know-how remaining should things get messy. Along with Lizard and Raido for perimeter guards."

The young man paused and scratched at the back of his head. "As much as it troubles me to say this, you and I should stay as well – to help contain Wolf, should he happen to manifest again."

Crow met the young Nara's dark eyes. "I thought Wolf can counter your shadow jutsu."

Shikamaru smiled. "I've been thinking about that...and if I modify the core of my jutsu, it just may buy us enough time for you to apply your senbon again."

Badger grunted. "What makes you so sure that will work, boy?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "The basic theory is sound...and it's better than nothing, Badger."

Crow couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange between father and son. He could almost feel the glare from behind Badger's mask, so he figured he'd best change the subject.

"And the third team?"

Shikamaru met his eyes. "The remainder of Team Gai, Rat and Locust can move the quickest, while still fending off attacks. Plus Locust can split his insects among the teams so he can get back to us that much quicker and be informed if either of the other teams run into trouble."

Crow stared down at the scroll and let a low whistle out through his teeth, causing his senbon to dance up and down. "I've got to admit it – this looks like the perfect split based on the tasks and personnel. Looks like Kakashi was right – you can give him a run for his money."

Shikamaru rubbed his temple. "Yeah – well, it helped that the selection of shinobi is so skilled and diverse."

Crow replaced his senbon to his pouch and pulled his mask back into place. "Right, then – let's spread the word to the others – I want the teams on the move by noon."

He rolled up the scroll and hoped it all went as smoothly in reality as it did on paper.

-- --


Akuma smiled to himself as he left Orochimaru's residence. His cousin tried his best to seem disinterested in what he was offering – in order to drive his price down undoubtedly – but when Akuma even hinted at searching out other interested parties, the Sannin suddenly found himself most agreeable to whatever terms he set. He'd even agreed to partial payment up front...the only concession made was that Orochimaru's slimy servant, Kabuto, would accompany him to retrieve the prize.

Akuma glanced over his shoulder to see his cousin slip a bag over the white-haired boy's shoulder and then lean in to whisper in his ear. Kabuto nodded once, gripped the bag tightly, and followed after him. Akuma would need to watch out for this one...if he was anything like Orochimaru...then he'd have to watch him carefully indeed, or run the risk of losing everything. Fortunately – they weren't far from where he'd left the prize – two days run at most...so he'd be finished with this business and off again before week's end.

Kabuto's voice interrupted Akuma's thoughts. "How can you be so sure the fetus is Kakashi Hatake's?"

Akuma glared at the boy and took a small amount of satisfaction when he tensed at the look. "Because the only two men this girl has ever been with were Kakashi and his Uncle, Kurogane."

Kabuto frowned. "So it could be Kurogane's offspring."

Akuma laughed – startling the young man before causing him to grow angry. "What's so damn funny?"

Akuma settled into a chuckle before answering. "That would have been difficult seeing as the man was missing a vital part of his anatomy for that to occur."

He smiled as Kabuto's expression changed to one of discomfort when the meaning of his words became clear. "I see."

Akuma smiled disarmingly at the young man. "You can't tell me you haven't been exposed to far worse living with my cousin."

A smirk crossed Kabuto's face. "True enough. Although that doesn't make the thought of castration any less uncomfortable."

They ran on in silence for the remainder of the day – Akuma finding the presence of the young man not nearly as inconvenient as he had first feared it would be.

-- --


It was far less of a wait then Kakashi expected before the front paws of the Alpha wolf clawed onto the upper surface of the bluff. A moment later, and he was face to face with the large silver wolf. He heard the howls and yelps of the other beasts just below the rim, and felt his muscles tense in anticipation of what was to come. He couldn't risk breaking eye contact with the Alpha or he knew it would take the opportunity to lunge.

Slowly – one by one – the other wolves climbed over the rim – forming a semicircle in front of him. Some whimpered – others growled – but the Alpha simply stared at him in silence. Its eyes were mismatched – one a silvery-gray, the other blood red...just like his own. Kakashi watched the muscles ripple under that thick silver fur, and he braced himself for the attack which he was certain was coming.

It never came...instead – he watched in amazement as the body of the Alpha transformed before his eyes – not so much like a henge – but rather, the body morphed slowly from that of a wolf, to that of Kakashi as he appeared the last time he wore his ANBU uniform as Wolf – some five years ago. His hair was shorter, his body leaner than he currently was – though admittedly not by much – his uniform bore the signs of too many missions, and the vacant look in his eyes was the same look he knew he'd worn on the day that the Third Hokage informed him Wolf was 'resigning' from ANBU. All the paperwork showed it was at Kakashi's own request...but the reality was that Sarutobi knew Kakashi would lose his soul if he was assigned to one more ANBU mission.

Wolf currently stared at him with a look that Kakashi knew he'd used in the past to place fear in those unfortunate enough to cross his path. But that look could not intimidate him...after all – he'd created it. The man growled in his direction.

"It is time to end this game."

"What is it you want, Wolf?"

A slow smile formed on Wolf's cloth-masked lips. "What I've always wanted – what we've always wanted."

Wolf waved his hand at the semicircle of wolves – and Kakashi's eyes narrowed as each and every one of them transformed into another version of his Wolf persona – covering his life from age fourteen through twenty-four. But no...there was one younger still at the edge of the pack...Kakashi's eyes narrowed farther at the small child who was dressed in a chunin vest two sizes too big for him. The haunted look in the boy's eyes told him all he needed to know regarding what time frame this first version of Wolf had been born in. He'd been six...and had just found his father's dead body. His first day as a chunin had ironically also been his first day as Wolf.

All seven versions of Wolf drew their weapons – six katanas and a kunai. "We want to be free of the restrictions you and your precious Konoha have forced on us."

Kakashi raised his eyebrow and laughed – drawing a growl from all the versions of Wolf in front of him. "You don't see it, do you Wolf? We are different sides of the same coin. I cannot exist without you...anymore than you can exist without me. My restrictions have been all that has kept you from becoming a monster...while, admittedly, you're survival instincts have kept me alive through all manner of attacks."

The Alpha Wolf took a step closer. "Somehow I believe you've needed us far more than we've needed you."

Kakashi smiled and leaned back against the tree. "Ah – you may be right about that...but I do have something else that you do not, Wolf. Something that you simply cannot survive without."

Wolf's eyes narrowed. "And what might that be?"

Kakashi shrugged. "Perfect timing."

And, in a move so quick it caught all the Wolves by surprise, Kakashi slammed his palm to the ground and activated the seals Ibiki and Bear helped him lay out before they left. All around the center of the bluff, forming a barrier across the stone itself and closing in a dome above, blue-white chakra from the very core of Kakashi's being mingled with the orange-tinged energy left behind by Bear and the dark red chakra from Ibiki.

"NO!" Wolf's outrage was felt like a wave crashing against the newly formed barrier within Kakashi's mind. He watched all six of the younger versions of Wolf slam against the walls – trying to force their way out – but the sealed barrier held...and Kakashi let out a sigh of relief. He slid down to sit at the roots of the tree, exhausted from the amount of energy he had to expend to set the seal in place.

He watched the various versions of Wolf slowly give up on trying to break out, and eventually they settled on the ground around the Alpha version – who still stood in the center – staring out at Kakashi. That version of Wolf walked to the edge of the barrier and placed one hand to the wall of energy – allowing it to lick at the skin of his fingers and cringing slightly form the pain it induced. He lowered his hand and glared with an intensity that caused the hairs on the back of Kakashi's neck to raise. When he spoke, the words were filled with loathing.

"This will not hold us forever, Kakashi. And when we next break free, there will be no hope for your survival."

Kakashi pushed himself to his feet. He sighed and placed his hands deep into his pockets. "I would expect nothing less, Wolf. But for now...it will have to do."

Kakashi addressed those who he knew were watching. "I'm ready."

Ibiki's presence appeared to one side of him, Bear to the other. "Bout time, kid."

With that – they guided him back to consciousness...the sound of seven wolves howling following him out of the darkness.