Okay, this chapter is late. I apologize. It took me quite a while to get this one right. I had to rewrite it, tweak it, etc. - needless to say it was an ordeal. I'm happy with the result, though, and I hope you will be as well. Thanks for your patience, and, as usual, thank you for reading. Now, on with the chapter!
45. If Your Hopes Should Pass Away
Saturday morning came quickly for Sasuke. After his little make out session with Naruto under the bridge, he had walked back to Kakashi's apartment, soaking wet, only to have his endorphin-fueled high immediately destroyed. Kakashi had wasted no time in dropping the bomb regarding Sasuke's financial future: Akatsuki was finished, and Sasuke would have to sell the Uchiha mansion, the property, and much of his belongings to pay off the mounting debt.
He'd let loose quite a string of curses at that news. Despite his rantings, though, nothing changed. Kakashi maintained a firm, stoic expression, and Sasuke's sudden debt refused to go away. Really, Kakashi's proposal was the only way Sasuke could get out of his current predicament, whether he liked it or not, so the Uchiha grudgingly accepted.
And, just like that, a day and a half passed. Now, Sasuke stood before the mirror in Kakashi's apartment, adjusting the tie on his suit with a scowl. He hated suits – always had. They were a mark of the business world that he never truly cared for – Itachi's world.
It's only for today, Sasuke. Just wear the damn suit, sign the papers, and get this thing over with…
"Sasuke! Are you ready?" Kakashi called from outside the bathroom, rapping lightly on the door.
"Just a minute…" Sasuke muttered as he attempted the Windsor knot a third time. Above him, the bathroom light flickered briefly.
Finally satisfied, the Uchiha wiped his black dress shoes on the bathmat and threw open the door to find Kakashi waiting, looking quite sharp in his own gray suit. Sasuke again thought it unusual to see his new father without his trademark mask as he stepped out into the hallway. Kakashi quickly adjusted his pink tie and started for the door.
"All right, then. Let's get going."
"Right."
Sitting in Kakashi's cherry red sportscar, Sasuke leaned his head against the window and sighed. He couldn't believe it had come to this – losing everything his parents had ever worked for, all because Itachi was a lunatic. It was hardly fair, but then again, Sasuke still had something. He wasn't being tossed out on the streets – he'd still have enough money for his schooling, and to find a nice, modest house somewhere in the suburbs. And, of course, he had his family. Glancing over at Kakashi, Sasuke felt a wave of shame as he recalled their conversation a few days before.
"Sasuke, we need to talk."
"About what?"
"It's about the Akatsuki Corporation. With all the recent arrests and revelations, they've been reduced to shambles. Their stock is nearly worthless."
"And…?"
"Your fortune comes almost entirely from their stock, Sasuke."
"Wait… so you mean I'm… broke?"
"Not quite, but if we don't act soon, you will be. We will be."
"What the hell? That's fucking bullshit! You're telling me because Itachi had to be a fucking psycho and kill my parents that I have to lose everything? What kind of justice is that? It's fucking travesty! I've suffered enough, goddammit!"
"Sasuke, just calm down… it's not so bad…"
"And just what the hell would you know about it? Or are you telling me that the only reason you adopted me was so that you could get my money? Is that it? Fucking hypocrite…"
Sasuke shuddered. That had been low – low, uncalled for, and untrue. He'd done the natural thing when angry, though, and had gone for the easiest targets. Pointing out someone's insecurities, taking advantage of their fears, making fun of their foibles – in Sasuke's case, saying the most hurtful thing he could think of.
And yet, despite that, Kakashi had remained firm. The Uchiha felt his lip quiver just thinking about it.
"Is that really how you feel?"
"Yes! You're not my father, Kakashi – you never will be! I never asked for this to happen!"
Why had he said that? Just an hour before he had been praising the changes in his life – the new people to support him, the new semblance of family – and then he did a complete 180° and rejected it all.
"I'm sorry you feel that way, Sasuke. I think it goes without saying that you're going to bed without supper tonight."
"What? Why… you know what? Fuck you!"
"I love you too, Sasuke."
He hadn't said it coyly. It was genuine, and Sasuke had heard the pain in his voice as he stormed off to bed. He had regretted it instantly, but he hadn't said a word about it. As they pulled into the parking lot at the Akatsuki Corporation headquarters, though, Sasuke finally spoke, his voice cracking slightly.
"Kakashi? I mean… Dad?"
"It's okay, Sasuke. I forgive you," Kakashi replied immediately with his signature smile. Sasuke noted how differently it looked without the mask, and wondered why the teacher would ever try to cover up something so wonderful.
"Y-you do?" the Uchiha replied in astonishment.
"Sure I do. I knew you didn't really mean it – you were just upset. At least… I hope you didn't mean it."
And there it was – that seed of doubt that had been lingering in Kakashi's mind for who knows how long. Did Sasuke truly hate Kakashi like he had so much of the world, or was their connection genuine? It was time to put those fears to rest.
"I didn't. You just caught me off guard – I didn't want to believe that I'd actually lost everything. Now that I've thought about it, though, I realize that it didn't really mean that much to me. Money's nice, but I'd give it all up to have Mom and Dad again," Sasuke replied, his eyes growing misty. "I guess you and Iruka will make good substitutes, though."
Before Sasuke could contemplate what had happened, he suddenly found himself wrapped in a tight embrace. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear that…"
"Sure I do – assuming it's anything like how I feel, that is…"
Did I really just say that? I still think these guys are making me soft…
Laughing, Kakashi pulled himself away from his son, leaving a slight wet patch on the teen's shoulder. Wiping his eyes, Kakashi grinned and adjusted his tie. "You know, Iruka said you'd feel that way. It's amazing how observant he is sometimes – he figured you out that quickly."
"Yet he couldn't figure out that me and Naruto were together when he found me naked in his bed," Sasuke responded, rolling his eyes.
"Well, like I said, he's observant sometimes. Other times he's about as clueless as a box of rocks," Kakashi said, pushing open the car door. "Now then, are you ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be."
"Good enough for me."
Together, Sasuke and Kakashi stepped out of the car and headed towards the Akatsuki headquarters. As they crossed the massive parking lot and the sea of accompanying vehicles, Sasuke stared up at the looming building, shielding his eyes from the sun. It was just as he remembered it: 30 stories tall, with blue reflective windows covering the surface and a decagonal summit overlooking the entire city. On the sides were other, smaller buildings – warehouses, factories, laboratories – where the different divisions went to work on new weapons.
Sasuke had only visited those buildings a few times with Itachi, but he remembered well what he saw. Sasori's robotics division, Deidara's plastique explosives, Kisame's aquatic weapons, Hidan's chemical warfare sector – all of them were places that reeked of death. Sasuke felt sick just thinking about it.
Entering through the revolving doors to the main lobby, Sasuke and Kakashi were greeted by a bald man with sunglasses, who escorted them to the elevator. Without a word, he swiped a keycard and pressed floor 30 before returning to his post. Clearly, access to the top floors was limited, at least for the deal that was about to take place.
As the elevator crawled up towards the top of the building, Sasuke found his legs quivering in the metallic reflection on the doors. Despite his best efforts, they wouldn't stop.
"It'll be all right, Sasuke. I'm here for you – don't forget that."
The Uchiha swallowed hard and nodded, Kakashi's voice providing enough of a calming influence for the teen to regain his composure. He could do this. A few moments later, the elevator stopped, its doors sliding open to reveal an elaborate hallway with scarlet carpeting, glowing chandeliers, and portraits of CEOs on the sides. Sasuke averted his eyes from the painting of Itachi as he passed by, focusing instead on the double doors at the end of the corridor.
No more distractions. This is my business now… I can't let Itachi influence my decision…
Stopping before the shiny, oak doors, Sasuke took a deep breath and pushed one of them open, revealing a 10-sided table surrounded by various well-dressed parties. There was one empty slot nearest the door, the back of the chair bearing the Uchiha family-crest. With a determined look, Sasuke approached the chair and sat down while Kakashi stood at his side.
"Ah, Mr. Uchiha. Glad you could make it," said an individual with longish, brown hair. Sasuke assumed he was the government representative.
"Thank you , Mr…" Sasuke began, glancing at the man's name badge, "Kamizuki."
"Call me Izumo," the man replied with a smile.
Sasuke couldn't help but notice how the man's hair covered one eye, and wondered how a man with such a casual appearance could possibly be involved in such heavy business. He then remembered Itachi's own longer hairstyle and decided that the business world had changed more than he thought.
Izumo cleared his throat. "Well, now that we're all gathered, let's begin the negotiations, shall we?"
Sasuke glanced at his neighbors. He was seated beside Kisame's successor, a teen with white hair and razor sharp teeth on the one side, while on the other was Sasori's next of kin, a woman who looked to be in her 90s. Around the table were other heirs and new CEOs, some of whom Sasuke could pair to their predecessors, while others he could not.
Once everyone was settled, Izumo continued. "Now, my supervisor has offered to purchase the Akatsuki Corporation in its entirety for $20 billion."
Sasuke's eyes widened – that was a huge number. The shark-boy to his left was clearly displeased with this sum, however, and glowered in his leather chair. "$20 billion? That's bullshit! Akatsuki's worth twice that."
Izumo frowned and raised a hand for silence. "Thank you, Suigetsu. We're well aware of what Akatsuki's financial situation is. Yes, it was worth $50 billion, but that was before these recent… revelations. You have to understand that the government will have to spend more money after this acquisition is complete if we're to put Akatsuki to use. So, I'll repeat myself: the offer is $20 billion."
Suigetsu fumed before taking a sip from his bottled water. "Well, what does that mean for us?"
"You'll each receive a hefty share of the cut, of course – roughly one billion each. That will be enough to make up for your extreme losses and, essentially, brake even. The rest of the money will be distributed among your remaining stockholders, including your employees, who will be allowed to stay with the company should the so choose."
"Then what's the point of all this? You're just keeping everything the same!" the old woman complained before laughing in a confusing manner.
"That's not quite true, Chiyo. We plan to make several changes at the management level."
"What do you mean?" Chiyo responded, tilting her head to the side in confusion.
"He means us," Sasuke interrupted flatly. "We're the ones that the buyers have no confidence in, because we have no experience. We have to be replaced if the Akatsuki Corporation is to thrive again. The government takes it off our hands, gives us our money, and adds new executives so they can turn a profit. Is that about right, Izumo?"
The government official nodded. "Well put, Sasuke. Consider this a mutually beneficial deal. You all will receive the funds you deserve, while we maintain what has been one of the military's greatest weapons providers at a reasonable price."
"But $20 billion?" Suigetsu moaned. "I have a ritzy lifestyle to maintain!"
"I'm sorry, but that's the offer. You can either take it, or risk going down with the company. Now then, let's take a vote. All in favor of the deal, please raise your hands."
Everyone seated around the table raised their hands, except Suigetsu, who sulked in his chair. Izumo sighed. "And what exactly are your objections, Suigetsu?"
"I want more money, dammit! I need to fill that Olympic-sized pool I just installed, you know."
"I'm sorry, but that's as high as we're going to go If you want to wait another month, we'll be happy to pay $10 billion for what remains of the company. Your call."
Suigetsu bit his lip, his brow furrowed in frustration, and was quite startled when Sasuke planted a hand on his shoulder. Turning his surprise, the shark-boy met Sasuke's unblinking stare and paled. "Take the deal. You've gotten enough from this dirty business as it is. Time to wash your hands of it with the rest of us."
For a moment, Suigetsu looked as if he was going to argue, but he finally relented with a sigh. "Fine, let's do it."
Izumo smiled as he pulled forth several identical forms and passed them to his right. "Excellent. All you have to do is fill out these forms and we'll handle the rest."
The executives passed the forms around until everyone had an official document before them. Sasuke scanned it briefly – it seemed fairly straightforward: name, age address, phone number, social security number, account number, various spots to sign and date. He hurriedly filled in the appropriate and reviewed it several times. To his surprise, he was sweating.
This is it. Time to end this chapter of my life. No more living in the past. My parents, Itachi, our home, our business… it's time to move on. Time to start anew.
With a sigh, Sasuke slid the form across the table to Izumo, who accepted it with a nod. "Thank you, Sasuke. Pleasure doing business with you – you're free to go."
Nodding solemnly in turn, Sasuke rose and faced the double doors. With Kakashi by his side he stepped out of the executive's room and into the hallway, where the teacher glanced down at his son with a smile.
"I'm proud of you, Sasuke. I know that must've been hard for you."
"It was easier than I thought it would be," the Uchiha replied with a shrug. "I guess I knew it was time."
"Well, in any case, I'm glad you finished so quickly. Now we can make it to the trial."
Sasuke's heart skipped a beat. In all the hustle of that morning preparing for the meeting, he had forgotten that Gaara's trial was starting that day. He glanced at the clock on the wall – it was a quarter to twelve. They could still make it if they hurried.
"Let's go!"
XXXXX
"All rise before the Honorable Judge Mifune!"
Naruto stood at the bailiff's word and watched as an older man in black robes with a long, black moustache and beard approached the bench. To the blond's right sat Iruka; to his left, Lee. Sitting on the other side of the barricade were Gaara and Inoichi, with Ibiki sitting at another table a short distance away. The room was relatively full – apparently word had spread quickly in Konoha of the strange murder case, and there were many eager to see how it would all play out.
Everyone in Naruto's sight was wearing a suit of some sort. He was wearing a simple, black suit with an orange tie. Lee wore a similar suit, but with a green tie, while both Gaara's suit and tie were red. As for Iruka, he wore black from head to toe. It all reflected the seriousness of the situation – they were there to determine whether Gaara spent the rest of his life as a free man, or behind bars.
When Mifune sat down at the bench, he said in an authoritative manner, "You may be seated."
The courtroom complied with this order, and Naruto watched nervously as the judge shuffled some papers before him. He studied one document in particular, eyeing it carefully before speaking once more. "We are here today to decide the case of Konoha versus Subakuno."
Turning his attention to Gaara, Mifune took on an intimidating gaze, as if he was trying to stare directly into the redhead's soul. "Mr. Subakuno, you have been charged with the second degree murder of your father. How do you plead?"
Gaara stared straight back at the judge, unfazed by both his authority and tone. "Not guilty."
"Very well. The prosecution may make its opening statement."
With what Naruto could only describe as a sneer, Ibiki rose from his table and glanced at Gaara before turning his attention to the jury. Naruto truly found the man to be terrifying. For one, his face was covered with scars, and the blond was sure there was a story behind every single one based on the man's massive physique. Clearly Ibiki had been in the military at one point – either that, or he just liked to get in fights at bars. Naruto could see that both were possible. Somehow, though, the man still looked professional in his fitted suit with a navy blue tie.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," Ibiki began, pacing casually before Gaara's twelve 'peers,' "as you know, the defendant is here today accused of murdering his father in a heated argument. It's not my job to tell you what you already know, though. It's up to me to reveal the truth of what happened that night. Now, as you already heard, Mr. Subakuno here insists that he did not murder his father. I intend today to prove to you that what happened that night is precisely murder. I will prove that Mr. Subakuno and his father had a rocky relationship, and that they got into a fight due to this strained connection. Two men went into that fight, and one came out. Now, I can't possibly know for certain what happened in that room as much as any of you can, but I intend to show beyond any reasonable doubt that what happened in that room was no act of self-defense, but an act of violence perpetrated in the heat of the moment. I'm sure you will all make the right choice."
Glancing back at Mifune, Ibiki nodded once. "Your Honor."
Naruto's gripped his black dress pants and gritted his teeth. He had been warned that Ibiki would try to twist the truth, but he still found himself indignant at the man's statement. Did he even know Mr. Subakuno? Did he not realize how much he hated Gaara, and how Gaara wanted nothing more than to be accepted by his family in spite of that animosity?
"The defense may make its opening statement," Mifune announced, snapping Naruto out of his reverie.
Rising from his chair, Inoichi adjusted his tie and walked over to the jurors, staring directly at them as he spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, my defendant has said that he is not guilty of murder because he did not murder his father. Did the two of them have a fight? Yes. Did his father die in the fight? Yes. But did he murder him? Well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, that is a completely different matter. I intend to prove to you all today that my client is not a murderer, but was actually the victim in this ordeal – a teenager robbed of a father who he was forced to kill in an act of self-defense."
The pony-tailed lawyer stared up at Mifune and smiled. "That's all, Your Honor."
Naruto felt his grip loosen as he breathed a sigh of relief. At least Inoichi would be the voice of reason in this situation – he could prove Gaara's innocence. Of course, it would require the blond's help.
"Very well. The prosecution may call its first witness."
At Mifune's word, Ibiki rose from his chair and spoke in a similarly pronounced manner. "The prosecution calls Abiru Sr. to the stand."
Naruto raised an eyebrow in confusion – that was a name he was not familiar with. Gaara, however, looked noticeably paler as an older man with brown hair and dark rings under his eyes stepped forward. He approached the bailiff, who waited with a Bible in one hand, the other raised in the air. Abiru Sr. mimicked the motion, placing his hand on the book.
"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"
"I do."
With that, the man took his seat, and Ibiki neared the stand looking quite smug. "Now, Mr. Abiru, could you tell the court what exactly happened to your son?"
"He died several years ago… he was murdered," Abiru Sr. said in a cracking whisper before pointing at Gaara with a shaking finger. "He was killed by him! That Gaara Subakuno stole my son from me!"
A wave of whispers arose in the courtroom before Mifune banged his gavel for order. Ibiki looked thrilled with this reaction. "I see. Was this an act perpetrated in cold blood?"
"It was planned out, but it wasn't done in cold blood, no. That Subakuno brat provoked my son, taunted him over several days, until he had no choice but to retaliate. When he went to stand up for himself, though, Gaara didn't hold back… I never saw my son alive again. I'll never forgive him for that," Abiru Sr. continued before losing his composure in a series of sobs.
"I know it must be hard for you to remember that day. Just let me ask you this one more question: based on what you know of Gaara's encounter with your son, do you believe that what happened with his father was a mere act of self-defense."
Abiru Sr. shook his head and gritted his teeth. "No… if you ask me, there hasn't been a moment in that bastard's life that he didn't plan out from the beginning. He probably had been waiting for his father to attack him for days, just so he could finally get rid of him."
That bastard! What the hell does he know about Gaara? He probably never even met him…
Ibiki waved a hand and turned towards his seat. "No further questions, your honor."
Mifune scribbled a note and glanced at Inoichi. "The defense may cross-examine the witness."
Inoichi rose and approached the witness stand, where his eyes narrowed. "Tell me, Mr. Abiru – if my client in fact murdered your son, why is he here today? Shouldn't he already be in prison?"
"He was never brought to trial over the incident."
"I see, and why would that be?"
Abiru Sr. bit his lip, drawing a bit of blood. "Because his father surrounded himself with lawyers, and they determined that it was an act of self-defense. There were enough witnesses to see my son strike first."
"But you're saying that Gaara had planned for that first punch to be thrown – that he wanted Abiru to start the fight, so he'd have the excuse to fight to his heart's content, is that right?"
"Exactly."
"Fair enough – let's assume this is the case. Then, didn't you say that Gaara's father was the one who lawyered up? That he was the one who made all the sacrifices of moving away so that Gaara could try to live a somewhat normal life?"
"What's your point?"
"Just answer the question, Mr. Abiru."
"Then, yes… I believe so."
"Well, that tells me that my client and his father had a pretty strong relationship. Even though they may have had their disagreements, he was still willing to make a sacrifice to protect his son. Do you agree?" Inoichi asked with a triumphant grin.
"No! His father didn't do it for Gaara – he did it for himself! His reputation was in tatters in Suna. He had to flee to salvage what was left of his career. He resented Gaara for what happened!"
"Resented him enough to kill him?" Inoichi challenged, his smirk growing broader as Abiru Sr. fidgeted.
"Yes…"
Naruto struggled not to grin. Inoichi had cornered Abiru Sr. and made him look utterly foolish in the process. This was going better than he thought.
"No further questions, Your Honor."
"You may take your seat, Mr. Abiru. The prosecution may present its next witness," Mifune announced as Abiru Sr. returned to his seat.
"The prosecution calls Dr. Iyashi to the stand."
A plain-looking man in a black suit and tie approached the stand, swore his oath, and took a seat. Almost immediately, Ibiki rested a hand on the witness stand and indicated the crowd with an open palm. "Dr. Iyashi, could you please explain to the court your opinion on the victim's wounds in this case?"
"With pleasure," Iyashi replied, looking quite calm in his response. Clearly this was not the first time he had been called in as an expert witness. "The victim died in a manner just as the defendant described. A strong blow to the nose had knocked the bone back into his brain, causing him to die almost immediately. Other marks on the victim's body indicated a struggle, though the majority of these were on his knuckles, suggesting that they were not inflicted by another individual, but were rather the result of pummeling someone else. There was a small fracture in the victim's hand, but that may have been the result of the beating, or some pressure – it's hard to say. Furthermore, bruises around the man's throat reveal that the man had been strangled before the final blow was delivered."
"Thank you very much. Now, in your opinion, does the defendant's claim of self-defense match the wounds seen on the victim?"
"For the most part, yes. A desperate kick to the nose certainly would've been enough to bash the bone back into the brain, and, as I said, the pummeling would explain the scratches on the knuckles. As for the fracture in the hand, that's not so clear," Iyashi said, shaking his head in bewilderment. "What's most disturbing are the bruises on the neck. I can't see how those could possibly have been inflicted in the same sort of panicked struggle that explains the blow to the nose."
"So, it is your expert opinion that those marks were not caused by an act of self-defense?"
"It is my opinion that what self-defense isn't the entire story. Perhaps there was a struggle before the kick to the nose – who's to say? More surprising is that blow to the nose, though. To hit that nose in just the right spot to knock the bone into the brain is highly unlikely. Again, though, if the defendant had trained well in self-defense, it's possible that he would've instinctively attacked that fatal point."
"Thank you very much. Your Honor."
Again, Naruto felt a wave of rage rush over him. How could they possibly write off all of Gaara's bruises so easily? Didn't that prove that he was only trying to protect himself? He wanted nothing more than to shout out, tell them that they were wrong, but he knew it would only hurt Gaara's case. He'd get the chance to speak his mind in due time.
"Inoichi, you may cross-examine the witness at this time," Mifune said, nodding to the lawyer.
"Dr. Iyashi, you say that there were markings on the victim's knuckles suggesting that he had been punching something during the struggle. When Gaara was found at the bridge, he was treated at the hospital for numerous bruises and cuts. Based on your expertise, do you believe that these wounds could have been caused while the victim was being strangled?"
Iyashi shook his head with a chuckle. "Absolutely not. If the victim was being strangled hard enough for those bruises to be inflicted, he would be struggling to breathe. It's highly unlikely that he'd try to punch his opponent – he'd probably focus on getting the hands off his throat."
"So, would you say that the blows came before the strangling?"
"Either before or after. It's more likely that he'd attack before, though – being deprived of oxygen would have weakened the victim significantly."
"Then the strangling could be seen as an act of self-defense, correct?" Inoichi asked with a wry smile.
"I'm afraid that's not my area of expertise," Iyashi replied calmly. "That's up to the court to decide."
Sighing, Inoichi slapped his hand on the witness stand and turned around. "Of course. No further questions, Your Honor."
"That's up to the court to decide…" What an ass…
"Any further witnesses, Ibiki?"
"One final witness, Your Honor. I call Chief Jiraiya to the stand," Ibiki announced, drawing a wave of whispers from the crowd. To have the chief of police testifying at the trial really brought the gravity of the case into perspective.
Sitting a few rows behind Naruto, Jiraiya appeared to be writing a book when his name was called. After scribbling a few more words, he clamped the book shut and rose, heading to the witness stand where he took his oath before sitting back down. He wore a reddish suit, which Naruto thought made him look quite professional in spite of his long, white hair. Ibiki approached the stand before speaking.
"Chief Jiraiya… you were the first one to arrive at the scene of the crime, correct?"
"The scene of the incident, yes. I don't believe we've ascertained whether a crime was actually committed yet, Ibiki," Jiraiya replied coyly.
"How silly of me. Could you tell the court, then, exactly what you found upon arriving?"
"It would be my pleasure. The first thing I noticed when I entered the room was the puddle of blood in the middle of the floor, surrounding the victim's body. He was still bleeding out the nose at the time, and his eyes were dull. In addition to the blood on the carpet, though, there were stains on the bed – a DNA analysis told us that this was not the victim's blood, but rather the defendant's. Furthermore, there was a dent in the wall, which we believe was caused when the defendant's boyfriend was shoved back in the heat of the moment."
"So there was definitely a struggle?"
"Yes, I don't believe it's possible to argue that only one side fought in this ordeal. The defendant certainly didn't inflict the wounds on himself to create the blood on the bedspread – the splatter simply doesn't match."
"Is it possible that the boyfriend inflicted those blows?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "The boyfriend was still in the room when we arrived. There were no marks on his body to suggest that he was in any way involved in the fight, with the exception of a few drops of blood that were most likely left by the splatter."
"In your expert opinion, Chief Jiraiya, was the victim's death caused by an act of self-defense, or by murder?"
"It's hard to say," the officer said with a shrug. "We know that the defendant killed his father – he's not denying that. What's important is who started this conflict. The fact that only the defendant's blood is on the bedspread implies that he was assaulted first, and that the death of his father was the result of self-defense. Based on the defendant's history, though, that may or may not be the case."
"Thank you very much, Chief. No further questions."
Naruto felt his heart sink. That had been a very reasonable argument – what more could he expect from Jiraiya, though? He was the one who discovered the truth behind Itachi – he wasn't one to jump to conclusions. If he was not convinced one way or the other, then that meant the jury must've been in the same boat.
"The defense may now cross-examine the witness," Mifune said, nodding in Inoichi's direction.
Taking his place beside the witness stand, Inoichi examined Jiraiya for a moment before asking his first question. "Tell me, Chief Jiraiya – you mention the defendant's history playing a role in your judgment of this case. What about the victim's history?"
"Naturally, that has also played a significant factor in determining just what happened that night. The victim's animosity towards the defendant has been made clear repeatedly over the past few years. That, combined with the knowledge that the victim had lost his job the day of the incident, and that there was a high blood alcohol level suggests that he very well could've been the instigator in this event."
"Thank you. No further questions, Your Honor."
"Does the prosecution have any other witnesses?" Mifune asked, glancing at Ibiki. The scarred lawyer rose in turn and bowed his head.
"The prosecution rests at this time, Your Honor," Ibiki concluded with a sigh.
"Very well, then the defense may present its first witness."
"The defense calls Gaara Subakuno to the stand."
Naruto was by no means surprised by this decision. After all, who was better to tell the story than the accused? At the very least he could get his side of the tale out there, whether the jury chose to believe it or not. Clearly, Gaara had a similar feeling, as he had rose from his seat before Inoichi was finished speaking. He went through the process of swearing his oath and sitting at the witness stand before Inoichi began his questioning.
"Gaara, please tell the court exactly what happened that night."
"I was in my room with my boyfriend. We were making out, playing around a bit, when my dad came home early. I don't know why he came home so early – from what I could tell, though, he had already been drinking a bit that night, and I've since learned that he lost his job that day. In any case, I wasn't expecting him when he came barging into my room to find me and my boyfriend in a compromising position."
The redhead sighed before continuing his speech in his somber tone. "That's when he snapped. He attacked me – told me he always hated me, that he blamed me for my mother's death, said that I should never have been born – and I just sat there and took the beating for a while. I felt like I deserved it… his words really got to me. When I realized that he was actually going to kill me, though, I decided I had to fight back. I kicked him in the nose, and that was it. He died on the spot."
"Thank you very much, Gaara. Your Honor."
It pained Naruto to hear Gaara tell that story almost as much as it hurt the redhead to tell it. The memories that came rushing back, knowing how his own father had died, how his own life had been saved by taking Kyuubi's – the blond struggled to keep it together, especially when Ibiki approached the stand to cross-examine the witness.
That bastard! He doesn't know what we went through, and yet here he is, trying to make Gaara out to be some heartless killer…
Inoichi took his seat with a graceful bow as Ibiki rose in turn. The prosecutor approached the stand and eyed Gaara warily. "Tell me, Gaara – you heard what Mr. Abiru was saying earlier. Is any of what he said true?"
"Yes," the redhead replied, closing his eyes painfully.
"What part of what he said is true?"
"That I killed his son. That I provoked him so I could fight him as much as I wanted. That my dad moved us over here to Konoha so he could protect his good name. That he resented me for what happened…"
"And the part about you provoking your father into attacking you?"
"No – he was wrong about that," Gaara replied, shooting the lawyer a sharp glare.
"I see," Ibiki murmured, smirking at the teen's anger. "No further questions, Your Honor."
"The defense may call its next witness."
"I call Rock Lee to the stand."
Upon Inoichi's word, Lee rose beside Naruto and headed nervously towards the witness stand. He made his oath with unnecessary earnestness and sat down, shifting uncomfortably as the lawyer paced back and forth. "Lee, please tell us what you remember from that night."
"Well, Gaara and I were up in his room… kissing… when his dad came home. He was early – really early – and we weren't expecting him at all. When he came in and saw us together, he went berserk. He was swearing, ranting about how his son was a faggot, and how his mother would be so ashamed. He pushed me back against the wall – I was so afraid after that. I knew he was serious – he was going to kill us. That's when he punched Gaara, one blow after another. I thought he was going to die right then and there… I was so scared, but I couldn't look away."
"You couldn't look away? So you can tell us what happened next?"
Lee nodded. "I guess Gaara finally came to his senses, because he finally started protecting himself. He blocked a punch, and started squeezing his dad's fist. Maybe that's when the bone fractured, like the doctor said. Then he tackled his dad to the ground and started strangling him. I… I'd never seen that side of Gaara – that ferocity. Maybe it was because he wanted to protect me, or maybe he just knew it was either him or his dad, but he was determined to win that fight. When his dad broke free from Gaara, he came charging at him again, and that's when Gaara kicked him in the nose. He looked shocked by what happened – I don't think he really thought about it. It was more of a reflex than anything else."
"Thank you, Lee. No more questions, Your Honor."
"The prosecution may cross-examine the witness," Mifune announced as he scribbled another note.
Again, Ibiki rose and eyed Lee curiously for a moment before speaking. "Tell me, Lee – how long had you known Gaara before this all happened?"
"Personally? We were only really friends for a few weeks, at most," Lee replied somewhat shyly.
"Is that so? And in that short time the two of you became… intimate, let's say?"
"We became boyfriends, yes."
"You see, I find that very interesting. In just a short amount of time, the two of you became quite close – it almost sounds too good to be true, like it was planned out from the beginning."
"No! You're wrong."
"I believe Gaara set up this relationship intentionally, just so he could incite his father into attacking you…"
"But we didn't think he'd be home so soon!"
"It's the perfect alibi, isn't it? Lee, your boyfriend used you so he could end his father's life once and for all!"
Naruto gritted his teeth and muttered, "That jackass!"
"Objection, Your Honor! He's badgering the witness," Inoichi interjected, indicating Lee's increasingly emotional state.
"Sustained. Ibiki, keep the argumentative questions to a minimum," Mifune said, wagging his finger at the prosecutor."
Fuming silently, Ibiki waved a hand. "No further questions, then."
"Very well, then the defense may call forth its next witness," Mifune said, nodding to Inoichi.
"Then we call Naruto Uzumaki to the stand."
Naruto froze up immediately. This was it. He had already talked everything over with Inoichi – all he had to do was say what he'd said earlier, and he'd be fine. So why was he so nervous? Maybe it was the fact that Gaara's future rested on his testimony, or maybe it was Ibiki's intense stare – the idea that he might break under that gaze and let something slip. When Iruka placed a hand on his shoulder, though, Naruto realized there was no time to delay. His friend needed him now, whether he was ready or not.
"Go ahead, Naruto. You'll do fine," Iruka whispered, patting his son on the back as the blond rose.
"Thanks, Dad."
With that, Naruto passed by Lee on his way to the witness stand, where he took his oath before sitting down. Inoichi looked at him calmly before speaking. "Okay, Mr. Uzumaki, as we all know you were the one to speak with Gaara after he fled the scene of the accident. He went to the top of the Konoha Bridge, and you climbed up after him. Can you tell us what happened up there?"
Naruto took a deep breath. "Well, we went to the bridge thinking that Gaara might try something drastic. We thought he might try to run away, so we thought we could cut him off at the bridge. Instead, we found him at the top, and we all feared that he might jump. I couldn't just stand by and let my friend take his own life, so I went up after him to try and talk some sense into him. He was… unstable – that was the first thing I noticed. Obviously what happened with his father had shocked him greatly. I've never seen Gaara like that – so emotionally shaken. It was like the wall of stoicism he had built ever since he was a kid was shattered in an instant, and everything was laid bare. He knocked me down at one point, because he was afraid of what he might do if I stopped him. He couldn't bare the thought of hurting someone again."
"This fear of harming others, can you elaborate on that?"
The blond nodded. "Well, just from what I understand from Gaara's life, he's always felt responsible for the suffering of those around him. His mother died during childbirth, and he always felt like he robbed his family of their mother. Even when he tried to be helpful, somehow people wound up suffering. His father's death was the last straw – it seemed as if the only way he could live was by taking the lives of others."
"And you're saying this is why he wanted to kill himself?"
"That's right," Naruto replied, his brow sweating as the court listened intently to his every word. "He thought ending his life was the only way to keep everyone else from suffering. He told me that as much as he hated his father sometimes, he still loved him – that's what hurt so badly. To take the life of someone you care so much about… I can't imagine what he went through. I told him that there were still people who loved him and cared about him, though, and that he would only end up hurting us if he decided to take his own life. That's when he decided to come down – because the rest of his family and friends showed up to talk some sense into him."
"Very well. Thank you very much – you've been most helpful. No further questions, Your Honor."
"Ibiki – you may cross-examine the witness at this time."
Nodding to the judge, Ibiki approached the witness stand and stared at Naruto with an almost menacing focus. He smiled. "Mr. Uzumaki… how did you come to know the defendant?"
"We met at school. He was attacking my boyfriend, and I jumped in to stop him. We gave each other quite a beating," Naruto said, laughing at the thought.
"So Mr. Subakuno has been a violent individual as far as you can remember."
"I would say he was troubled – he just chose to express it through violence.
"Troubled?" Ibiki asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "That's an interesting way to put it. What makes you say he was troubled, and not just a sociopath?"
Naruto glared at the prosecutor. "Because he and I are the same. I'm the son of Kyuubi – the same Kyuubi responsible for those murders in Mizu over ten years ago. Gaara and I have both been hated for as long as we can remember for things that we had no control over. I know the bitterness that comes with that, but I was lucky enough to find love before I could sink as far into hatred as Gaara did. I had my father, and…"
At that point, the courtroom door creaked open, revealing Kakashi and Sasuke, who looked around awkwardly for a seat. Naruto sighed in relief at the sight, his lips curling unconsciously into a warm smile. "And my boyfriend."
"And you're telling me that the two of you became friends even though you started off fighting?" Ibiki asked, ignoring the two new arrivals.
"We became friends because we started off fighting. He couldn't understand why I would want to defend my boyfriend – to him, the only person that mattered was himself. I showed him that it was possible to care about other people – that he could have friends, that he could even love."
"Then he met Lee and fell in love just as quickly, I presume?"
Naruto nodded once more. He wiped his sweaty hands on his black dress pants. "Actually, he fell in love with me first. When I turned him down, he realized that he could have feelings for others, and the next thing I knew, he and Lee were together. It did happen quite quickly, but there was a lot changing in his life at the time. He started getting along better with his siblings, too – I think I knocked some sense into him with that headbutt, or something."
Glancing over at the defense table, Naruto found Gaara smirking back at him. It was only a slight smile, but it was about as big of a smile as the blond could've expected, considering the source.
Ibiki placed a hand to his forehead and sighed before turning his back to the witness stand. "No further questions."
"Very well. Do you have any further witnesses, Inoichi?" Mifune grumbled, tapping his fingers on the bench.
"The defense rests, Your Honor."
"Then the prosecution may make its closing remarks."
Rising, Ibiki faced the jury and addressed them in his usual gruff tone. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the defense has tried today to pull the sheep's wool over your eyes. They have argued that what happened to the victim was an act of self-defense, but I urge you to take a closer look at the facts. The defendant withheld information regarding the fight, as he failed to mention that he had in fact strangled his father before delivering that blow to the nose. He had already made the decision to fight back – it was no accident that he killed his father in that room. That was a blow delivered with skill and precision – he knew precisely what he was doing. Furthermore, consider the defendant's history. He killed Mr. Abiru's son back in Suna by his own admission. He has a history of violence here in Konoha as well, having fought one of his own friends here. He is a violent individual, and a danger to society, so I urge you to do the right thing and put him away where he can't harm again. Thank you."
The room was silent as Ibiki took his seat. Naruto watched in awe from his seat beside Iruka – the man had been quite convincing. It made Naruto sick just to think about it, but he knew that the jury must have had some mixed thoughts on the case. Had he done enough to prove Gaara's innocence? Was he even sure if Gaara was innocent? Sure, he believed that the redhead hadn't killed his father, but just because he believed it didn't mean it was true. And if Naruto was having doubts, being one of Gaara's best friends, what did that mean for the jury?
Please, Mr. Yamanaka… show them Gaara's innocent…
"The defense may make its closing remarks at this time."
Rising in turn, Inoichi stood before the jurors once more and cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution would have you think that we are trying to fool you today. He wants you to believe that we are trying to let a guilty man go free, but in reality, it is he who wants to put an innocent teenager in prison. Yes, there are some gaps in Gaara's story, but you have to remember the traumatic experience he went through that night. He killed his father, and almost killed himself as a result. Does that sound like the response of a cold-blooded murderer? No – that is the cry for help from a boy who lost his only parent in a tragic accident, the desperate act of one who could not bear to live with himself for the act he committed. The victim's death was truly a loss for everyone involved – do not put this family through any more heartbreak by putting my client behind bars. He's suffered enough as it is.
"Remember also that my client is innocent until proven guilty. The only evidence the prosecution has presented is circumstantial. There is no hard evidence to prove that my client murdered his father – instead, all he we can say is that the victim died as a result of some fight. The only witnesses to this incident have told you their sides of the story – only they know for certain what happened. You've heard both sides speak their case, now it's up to you to decide who's right. I'm sure you'll make the correct decision on the side of justice. Thank you."
With that, Inoichi returned to his seat, and Mifune banged his gavel once. "The jurors are now dismissed to deliberate on the case. We will now recess until a verdict has been reached."
While those around him began to shuffle about, many heading to the restrooms or the lobby to chat, Naruto simply say with his head in his hands. His heart was pounding.
I only hope we did enough for him…
XXXXX
Gaara sat beside Inoichi, staring up at the ceiling fan revolving slowly overhead. The way it passed before the light reminded him of a group of vultures, hovering over a dying creature and waiting to tear at his flesh. In some morbid way, it was funny. The vultures had been waiting for years for Gaara to die – people like Abiru, his father, Ibiki. None of them wanted him around, and if they could throw him in prison to rot for the rest of his life, then it was all the better.
In spite of himself, Gaara felt his fist tighten, the nails digging into his palm until they drew blood. It wasn't fair. Even in death, his father was doing everything in his power to hold him back, to crush him. Sometimes he felt as though the entire world was secretly out to get him – taking revenge on him for the crime of birth.
"How are you feeling?"
The voice caught Gaara off guard. Somehow, in his frustration, he had lost sense of his surroundings, and hadn't even noticed as his beloved mop-top approached from behind. Glancing over at Lee, Gaara felt instantly guilty – it wasn't true. Not everyone was out to get him. There were still those like Naruto and Lee, or Temari and Kankuro – people who truly cared for him.
It's time for me to be honest with them. I can't go on hiding what I'm feeling all the time…
"I'm scared, Lee," the redhead admitted, his hand trembling. "I don't know what's going to happen. I don't want to go to prison… not when I finally have something to live for…"
He bit his lip and looked to the side, too ashamed of his weakness to look his boyfriend in the eye. When Lee gripped his hand, though, Gaara could feel a similar fear in that touch, and he was forced to glance up at the other teen. There, he saw a mixture of anxiety and determination – a combination Gaara never thought imaginable.
"I know, Gaara… but it doesn't matter. I know you're innocent, regardless of what the jury thinks. We'll appeal if we have to, we'll take it all the way to the Supreme Court, to God if we have to."
"That's insane…"
"Anything is possible in the springtime of youth!" Lee insisted, gripping Gaara's hand even tighter. "I don't care what they say, I won't rest until you're free to live the rest of your life with me!"
Gaara felt a surge of warmth run through his veins. It was stupid, it was crazy, and it was just what he needed to hear. "Thank you, Lee."
Nothing else needed to be said. Lee sat down beside the redhead, and together they scanned the courtroom, studying the faces of the others. Gaara found some that looked on him with scorn, obviously believing him to be guilty, while others were sympathetic – they knew he was innocent. The majority, though, viewed him with suspicion. After hearing both sides, they were uncertain whether Gaara was an unfortunate victim, or a dirty criminal.
And then there were Naruto, Sasuke, and their parents. They were talking things over in the back of the room – it appeared to be a combination of the case and some other business. Gaara assumed it had something to do with the Akatuski Corporation, based on what he had heard about Itachi in the past week.
Uchiha… you were just like me a few days ago. You'd felt like you'd lost everything, and you were ready to give up. I had to make you realize that you had so much more to live for. I don't know why you would ever run away from Naruto, but I suppose depression's like that sometimes – it doesn't make sense. We're too blinded by our own selfish thoughts to realize how good we have it. Love really can do wonders, I guess…
While Gaara had these thoughts pass through his mind, Naruto and Sasuke broke away from their parents and started towards the redhead. Before he realized it, the couple was standing before him, looking quite compassionate.
"We're behind you all the way, Gaara," Naruto said, placing a hand on the teen's shoulder.
"That's what friends are for, after all," Sasuke added, nodding his head in agreement.
With all of his past thoughts weighing on his mind, Gaara only stared at Sasuke with his usual mask of stoicism. This wasn't the time or the place to be open with Uchiha – that could wait until he was free. "Thank you… both of you."
Before another word could be said, the bailiff's loud voice cut through the room. "All rise for the Honorable Judge Mifune!"
Those in the courtroom scrambled to their seats and stood as the judge returned the bench. Moments later, the jurors filed in as well. Gaara's heart raced. This was it, the moment of truth.
"You may be seated," Mifune said before turning to the jurors. "Has the jury reached a verdict?"
The head juror nodded. "We find the defendant, Gaara Subakuno, not guilty."
Naruto and the rest of Gaara's supporters let out a cheer as Mifune pounded his gavel for order. Inoichi slapped the redhead on the back and vigorously shook his hand. As for Gaara himself, he just stared up at the judge, tears of relief running freely down his cheeks.
Well, there you have it. Gaara's been cleared, and Sasuke's business has been sold. Our heroes are entering a new chapter in their lives as we enter a new chapter in their story next time in For Naruto, Whenever I May Find Him!