Illusion of the Leaf Chapter 19: A Member of SATS, a naruto fanfic

Word count: 4,921

\( - _ -)/

~(Konohagakure)~

Guess what? I got a tattoo.

Hiruzen didn't take his own words for granted. I am a member of the Anbu Black Ops. My job is to be kept secret from the public, and this extends to relatives and friends (maybe not parents but in my case it doesn't matter).

"My name is Kinju Takeshi. Please take care of me." I never understood the need to say that. It always made my stomach drop whenever I use the sentence, it's unnatural.

My usual baggy (comfortable) clothes got replaced by the Konohagakure Anbu uniform. A sleeveless black shirt, a grey flak jacket, metal arm guards and gloves, ninja sandals with spikes, three ninja pouches on my back-waist, and a spiral tattoo on my shoulder. It was painful. I remembered seeing a tattoo artist back at the first world, she had this machine that constantly pokes your skin with a needle that has ink on it, but the tattoo here is different.

I remembered Kakashi's Anbu tattoo from the anime; it was red. When I looked around the Anbu members had dark blood-red tattoos, and when I walked into the "tattoo room" I didn't see a machine.

"What is that?" I asked pointing at two back-scratchers and a bowl of wet charcoal mixed with what I could only call "non-toxic paint", which didn't make sense. One back scratcher had something sharp and pointed at the end, like a spike.

"This is what we use to put the Anbu mark on your shoulder."

"How?"

She didn't answer. Taking the one with the pointed one, she dipped the spike into the charcoal. My eyes widened. She took a wire out of his pocket and bent it to resemble the top swirl of the Anbu tattoo. She covered a part of the wire with wet charcoal then placed it on my shoulder to mark the spot.

It's cold... I feel threatened. I pointed at the back scratcher. "Hitsuji-san, is that a needle?" I asked, buying myself some time.

"No, that is a spike from a lime tree," she answered. "The spike from that tree works better than a needle and it's not poisonous. We are still developing the technology to solve this little problem. It is taking a lot of time to create, mostly because of procrastination and lack of material."

She took the wire off and positioned the spike on my arm, on her other hand she had the "normal" back scratcher. "You might feel like scratching it but I'm warning you, touching the area wouldn't be very sanitary... or safe."

"Yes, Hitsuji-san."

"Try not to scream or cry... or cuss."

I tried my best, that's all I have to say. What is this an initiation for a cult...?! Oh wait, it is... nevermind.

At least I didn't cry in front of anyone.

Some Konoha Anbu wear black cloaks over their standard uniforms, and squad leaders sometimes wear white cloaks. "Anbu" is actually an acronym for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai or Special Assassination and Tactical Squad, in other words, we are S.A.T.S. We take orders directly from Hiruzen. The Anbu usually work in teams formed to the requirements of the mission, ensuring maximum success. The ninja in the Anbu are hand-picked by Hiruzen, chosen for their individual capabilities and special skills. Age, gender, background, or previous rank don't matter.

Anbu's not that bad really, I was already ready for the sleep deprivation it brought. Teams were a necessity in Anbu, each team is tasked to do a certain job. Teams are also temporary, so making friends won't even cross the minds of most members. I had a choice whether to be in an "on the run" group or a "research" group, so of course I chose the latter, and for some reason our squad leader was surprised.

"Are you sure this is where you want to work?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell me why, Tori," Saru-buntaicho said. It came out as an order not a request.

"It's just because I think works inside the facilities need more attention than fieldwork. Those files aren't going to arrange themselves and getting fresh out of the pan information is always something I dreamed of getting. Konoha needs a person to fix little errors in their program."

He nodded in approval. "Very well... I'll be seeing you there."

Every team had a leader, we call them buntaicho. Unlike Root, Anbu has a squad leader and thirteen members, each with a different porcelain animal mask. "Tori" is my codename (so I guess Danzo's not the only one who likes codes).

Personally, I hate code names, they distract me. Robin, Takeshi, Harumi, Fuyuki, or Tori? My name is Agent34BL! But like I said, teams are temporary.

After two days of getting comfortable with the work area I was moved to the security section. I skimmed through files and records of the merchants and ninjas who entered and left the village. One was arrested for stealing and another one died, two were caught and one is getting interrogated.

"GAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

I flinched at the volume of the man's scream. While reading and checking, I'm also observing Morino torture the answer out of... I glanced at the separate sheet of paper I set aside.

"Riku," I murmured.

"Tori, focus," Morino-san said.

"Yes sir."

They pulled me out of that in an instant as well.

Now I'm in a kitchen.

People lived in the headquarters. Most of us knew how to cook meals that could give us the daily nutrients we needed to stay wide awake in the battlefield. The war is sending in more paper work and pulling out more newbies to fight but it's all good and normal. But, good news, the war is tipping over to Konoha's side. All systems still go.

"Tori, come with me. I have something to show you," Saru-buntaicho said, as he led me through the hideout.

"What is it, sir?"

"A work of art! Our finest engineers have completed it, I am assigning you as the guinea pig. Your job is to test their invention. Most children like to get out there and 'kick some evil ass' but you don't, you're an indoor person, and since you're the least to likely hate this job, I chose you. You wouldn't mind, right?"

"Not at all, sir," I said. A work of art. Finest engineers? I didn't even know science happened in this universe; aside from Orochimaru and his gang I don't remember anything.

It is indeed, a work of art. A very beautiful (ancient but still beautiful) piece of artistic beauty (too much beauty, too good to be true).

"You're Tori?" a man with a dog mask asked.

I nodded. "Good, here is a manual. Test every single button, check the programs, check the files, and remember to close it when you're done for the day."

He passed me a stack of papers with complicated codes. I immediately realised that it would take me a while to finish the task, even with my past knowledge in the subject of technology.

"This will take more than a day?" I asked.

"But of course! This is a new piece of technology. Every single flaw must be erased before we all start using it. Which reminds me, never forget to write everything you observed on a piece of paper; every mistake, every sound, every specific function our engineers might have glossed over. Put it inside this envelope and give it to your squad leader, he'll take care of it from there, got it?" he handed me the envelope.

I nodded. "What is this called Inu-san? The machine, I mean."

His posture stiffened. "It's Kitsune, not Inu. Kitsune." From the tone he used and the sudden drop of his voice, I'm guessing it's a common mistake he cannot escape.

"My apologies, Kitsune-san."

He crossed his arms and tapped his foot on the floor. "That thing is unnamed, but I like to call it the Wire Box."

I stared at the object. It looked like a white plastic box with a screen. Kitsune already left and I was alone. I took a seat with the paper in hand. I pushed the button at the bottom left corner. A loud beeping sound immediately filled the room.

-Beep- ...

My eye twitched. "This is a computer?"

It did look like a computer, like the ones with the gigantic back, but the keyboards were a mess! There's about a hundred kanji characters on one keyboard and a second one for the other functions that the "engineers" thought were necessary. I had the sudden urge to slam my head on the keyboards and jam the buttons or break the pencil I was holding, but instead I simply let out a squeak.

-Beep- ...

I groaned, dropping my mask in the process. I didn't hear it break or crash into a million pieces. The likeness of it falling to a bed of soft petals or a pillow is highly unlikely so I lifted my head.

"Zetsu... are we safe?"

Zetsu had my mask in his hand. He examines it then places it on the floor beside a blueprint pile.

"Madara-sama wants to know if you're making any progress on finding out about the Konohama."

"I'm working on it."

"Work faster."

"How come you always give me an assignment I can't solve without stepping outside the border?"

"Madara-sama is giving you this order. Are you questioning his judgement?"

"N-No, but I'm just wondering."

He raised an eyebrow then, for whatever reason, poked my nose. I covered my lower face. "What was that for?"

"We can't keep on spoon-feeding you, Takeshi-chan. You usually do fine when you're questioned so Madara-sama doesn't fret when you step into the battlefield of words."

"Zetsu, you know I can't win an argument. I can only convince people that, arguing about my point of view, is a good enough reason to waste fifteen to thirty minutes of their life."

He grinned. "That's good enough for Madara-sama. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting with Konoha's files. Thanks for leading us here."

"With pleasure." Just keep doing my research for me. And I'll do my part in return.

I slowly walked towards the fake human I made. A soft smile, bright eyes and warmth, like the day winter came. As the man extended his arms in a welcoming manner and I immediately tackled him. A moment later he opened his mouth and spoke while affectionately brushing his fingers through my hair.

"What's the matter, son?" he said.

I had him firmly in my grasp. His voice is off, I know it, but I continued to control my creation.

"Don't worry everything's fine," he said with a smile.

I created my father, I occasionally do. In some nights I would waste a small amount of chakra just to make him for a couple of minutes. I built him as accurately as possible, I wanted to make mother too (I don't remember her voice so she'll appear mute no matter what I do) but that's for another time. For a while, I thought of telling Kakashi about this wonderful thing I can do. We both want to see our fathers, me a lot more than he does. I held back the information because I knew it would make him uncomfortable. The Sakumo I can create probably wouldn't live up to his expectations. I don't think he'll still consider me as "normal" if he found out that I do this.

Only Sasori and I can stomach the "job" of making fake human beings and making them do what we want. Temporarily bringing back the dead, to lavish in the temporary comfort it gave. As weird as it is, I think Sasori is the only person who understands what I feel. Father gave his word. Sasori's parents, if I recall correctly, gave him their word. They promised. We might be the same in some aspects but the chances of us becoming friends when we meet is low. If we knew who each other were, we'd probably beat each other to a pulp for revenge. Either that or death.

"Come back..." I said, almost ordered.

Clone Yukimaru gave me a laugh in reply. "What are you talking about? I'm right here. We're going to the academy, right? It's your first da-"

The leaves fell apart, forming a pile before me.

"Damn..." I muttered. With a small tilt of my head I stared blankly at the pile of brown, lifeless leaves. I paused when I noticed a shadow behind me, but I whirled around to see nothing.

"Why do I even do this? This will just drain my power... I should just drown myself in 'Wire Box' work. Zetsu, Madara and Saru would love that."

Rin is a really nice girl. I feel guilty. I didn't consider what she would feel if Obito "died". Apparently, it gives her mood swings and in a state very similar to Kakashi's.

"Rin?" I called. Her blank eyes turned to me scanning as if she's confused. She's looking back to that day, all the time.

I blinked. "U-um..." I gave her a sheepish smile. She paid no attention to me yesterday. "Nice. This is progress. So, is there anything you want to talk about?"

She stared. I don't really expect her to answer the question, she's like this for a week. She doesn't show it in the orphanage or in public. She wants to be the one who comforts, not to be comforted.

"Is your house empty?" she asked.

I paused for a moment. The question caught me off guard. "Well, yeah. I locked the doors and the traps are all s-"

"Let's go to your house we need to clean."

I nodded. If this is her way of forgetting then I'll allow it, I mean... she doesn't have much time left.

"Takeshi!" I heard someone call. I turned to see Guy.

"Hi, Guy," I greeted.

He grinned. "I tried to cheer up Kakashi. You said he was depressed but from the bruise I have on my stomach right now, I think he's doing fine."

I gave him my usual stare that said, 'are you freaking kidding me?'. Disbelief is the emotion my face prefers around Guy.

Kakashi... I don't know if I really do care about him or not. I didn't spend anytime with the kid anymore, so really, I don't know. But once I saw the bandages wrapped around his head, obscuring his left eye, I knew I needed to check on him. He's quiet. Not that it's a big change, but it felt weird to see him stare at the wall for hours. Outside he's... not all that different, he's just more attentive and up tight.

For the first time I see Guy as a regular person, not screaming, not posing, not smiling; it's weird. Weird as it is, this is the first time I truly believed he's not just some guy who pesters the main hero's teacher/master. He is Guy, my friend; I'll never verbally admit it without sarcasm.

When he asked about Kakashi's condition, I told him, "He's suffering from a severe case of pre-teen angst, we might want to give him some space."

I meant it as a joke to lighten things up, but apparently the dead tone I used made it sound like I was completely serious. Guy can't understand sarcasm; joy!

"You challenged him... to a spar?"

"No, I challenge him to a dumpling eating contest."

"You would've gotten away bruise free if you just challenged him to rock, paper, scissors."

He winced, grabbing his side but quickly recovered and pumped his fist above his head. "Not a chance! By the way, he recommended that I challenge you to a dumpling eating contest."

"Is it because I told you he's depressed?"

"He didn't specify the reason..." Guy thought about it for a while, "sure let's go with that."

"Challenge accepted," I jumped a little. Rin glared at Guy. "You're on."

"Really?" Guy exclaimed.

"Rin, I think he meant me," I interjected. They both ignored me.

"In that case, I would be honoured Nohara-san."

"Same... Guy."

I looked between the two. I sighed in exasperation. "Just so you both know, I'm not paying for this date."

Rin knocked me upside the head. I saw a small glint of sympathy in her eyes. "We are still playing 'janitor' after this."

I walked behind them holding my head. "Mentioning 'dating' is a bad move," I noted.

Rin changed... Obito's death affected her personality. Is it that she has unknown feelings for Obito or is it that she has never lost a comrade before? She's different... better talk to the Rin expert number 2. It's adorable to see the kid fall head over heels for her. It's like Obito with a Kakashi-like face.

"Welcome back, Rin," I said cheerfully. "Obito doesn't like it when you're sad."

Her lips twitched to a small smile. Her face seem to relax. "Yeah... but I'm still doing the dumpling challenge with Guy-san."

"No problem... I'm still not paying for anything."

"How does it feel... to have... that?" I asked. How does it feel to have the power?

Kakashi placed his fingers on the metallic plate of his forehead protector. "Dizzy."

"I'm sorry."

He reached out and placed his hand on my head. "I will keep my promise."

"Huh?"

"I promised Obito I'll protect Rin. I promised myself I wouldn't let another comrade die. I promise you... you won't die. You didn't do wrong. I will always forgive you." His hand stayed in place.

"How old are we again? Time is difficult. Twelve right? I wouldn't be dying just yet," I said bluntly.

"Takeshi," he glared at me. Determination filled his eyes and quite possibly the room. "Promise me you won't accept assassination missions until I follow you."

"What?"

"Promise me." He knows about my position in Anbu because Hatake Kakashi can keep secrets. "Takeshi, promise me."

I stared at his hand, that is still on my head.

"Okay... I guess. Hey, Kakashi!"

"Hm?"

"If got into Anbu before you, then... does that mean I'm the 'senpai' and you're the 'kohai'?"

"I'd rather not think of it that way."

Minato and Kushina are officially husband and wife. To me it was nothing big, just a gathering of strangers, what's left of Team Minato, me, and Fugaku's family. I don't associate with Fugaku anymore, or Mikoto, even Itachi. I know the Uchiha and Konoha are still "buddy-buddy" but it wouldn't stay like that for long. The Uchiha seem to be more concerned about Kakashi getting their precious kekkei genkai than Obito "dying". It took several months to convince them to let him be; to let him keep their precious.

So staying away seemed like a good plan.

The event, the wedding itself, is no biggie but the aftershock is going to be a riot.

Being an Anbu member prevented me from attending. Since Team Minato geared up for depression mode, I had to balance my schedule as member of the squad. I wore my gear and got ready to right down notes.

"Hello there, sir. I will be interrogating you today. Please get comfortable, and try not to move around; rope burns are awful." Great, I could have celebrated with Kushina and Minato, but no. This is what I get.

"Shut up and let me talk! If you just let me explain-"

"Basic ninja info: We travel around the country killing people who travel around the country killing people... like a serial killer, killer. I am the interrogator."

"Didn't I tell you to-"

"You told me to, 'shut up', I know. Anyway, what makes you think you could steal an estimated 956,000 ryo and a 'file'... sir? By doing so you're basically setting yourself up to die a lonely loser in a jail cell."

"You sure, little buddy?"

"Yes, sir," I said.

I wanted to stay away from the T&I department but Hiruzen had other plans. He said, "Your experience with Danzo, heightened your abilities in interrogation and seeing through deception. Would you perhaps, consider joining T&I?" That's how it was decided that I'd be occasionally dropped here, and this is my first assignment.

"Just listen to me," he said.

"I'd rather not."

"You have terrible listening skills."

"Don't worry, sir. Just testing the waters, speaking of water, would you like some?" I have no idea what I'm doing.

"Listen, if you just let me go I'll lead you to my boss, sounds good, yeah?"

"No, if I let you lead me to your boss, I'll get captured and the guards will take me to my boss. I don't find my boss intimidating but as a lower ranked newbie, I'm supposed to act polite. Maturity is a stupid concept, but in real life it's the only thing one needs to acquire." I really have no idea what I'm doing.

He rolled his eyes and blew out air. "See, kid, I'm not really in cahoots with them, I was just forced. You listening? I'm a citizen of this village. You have records right? Look through those, it will have my name."

I adjusted my mask. "How would I know you're not lying? How would I know this won't just waste my time?"

"Just trust me!"

"I have trust issues. Besides, it would take a looooong time to find your name and face in the records. And if you really are a citizen of the village, then you should know about the underground group 'Sadako', the group most independent civilian individual joins. Rule number one is to never betray the village. What are you doing now?"

"There is no such group!"

"Are you sure? See that mirror over there? Well, the mirror let's you see your face. Theoretically speaking, seeing yourself lie could pull out the guilt you're trying to hide so badly it almost makes you puke. I don't know if that's scientifically true but it makes sense to me. Humans value and respect themselves a lot more than anyone else. But that mirror is no ordinary mirror, it's called a 'one-way mirror', meaning anyone behind it can see you."

"You're point being?"

"You are lying. That's what our expert criminal psychologist is telling me, he's behind that mirror," I faked a signal and heard a bang from behind the wall near the mirror. "See? But, you are right, there is no such group as the 'Sadoka'."

"Thank you."

I placed the pencil I barely used on the ground and gave him a laugh. "I'll take you to your cell now."

His eyes widened. "What?!"

"I see now... you're the 'lone wolf type' of rogue, from Kumogakure I presume. You are Jinpachi Kirito, a chunin-level ninja," I pulled out a "Bingo Book" from my flak jacket. "This... is your... face, yes?" I showed him the picture with his name next to it. "You look younger... you must be really good. It's been a while since they got a photo of you... Oh wait... oh! It says you've been running rampant for the past three years, cool!"

He stared at the ground. "I... am confused."

"That's kind of what my specialty is, or not, maybe I'm just naturally awkward," I said with a shrug. "I could have done better, you were just an easy target. Since you haven't spoken to a human, alone, in three years, while inside an empty room with an illusionary mirror, I can easily distract and confuse you. I already knew who you were because I look through Bingo Books in my spare time, I only wanted to test my horrible skills. In other words, I already knew you were guilty. I don't understand how they missed your face in the Bingo Book."

I'm not the torture type of interrogator, I'm not the psychology type either. I don't consider myself as an interrogator at all, if anything I'm closer to a college student cramming for his biology finals. I read the Bingo Books, memorize every face the best I can, then hope for God to help me remember the little bastards, who allowed their name and face to be placed in bounty book.

The door opened and my clone walked in. "Now I know how it feels to have your ear dismembered... the Kinju way is less painful."

"Did you tell Saru-buntaicho already?" He nodded.

"What is this?!" Kirito exclaimed.

"The information you seek won't benefit you in any way, sir. Now, please, kindly stand and wait patiently for your escorts to arrive."

"I'm tied up, idiot."

"Oh, good. You're not resisting."

"Takeshi!" somebody tackled me, and I felt arms around my waist.

"What is it, Rin?"

She released me and smiled. "Come with me, Kabuto is learning Medical Ninjutsu. Isn't it great? I've always wanted to spend more time with him, he's a quiet kid, he rarely puts himself out in the open."

"If you haven't realised yet, putting yourself out in the open is a very bad idea."

"I meant with making friends. What's wrong are you sick?"

Sick of the colour red, yes! "No, I'm just tired," I said, and added the most convincing yawn I could do. From interrogation to torture. I have a lot more to learn.

"Why are you always tired?" Rin asked.

"Sorry, I've been assigned to something big... I mean, Hideo-sensei and I have been assigned to something big." I claimed the computer room, like a boss. The room is mine, no one will touch anything in it, only me. The computer is as important to me as the Sharingan is to the Uchiha... that's in an exaggerated note.

Rin's face showed concern. "I'll help you with whatever you need to do, if you like."

"No!" I immediately declined.

She looked shocked, I rarely scream.

"U-um... I don't want to bother you, and I have... S-Sora to help me." Sora and his parent are suspects number one for my mission for Madara, codenamed "Konohama Puzzle". Suspect because, 'Konohama' might really be their last name and I don't want to jump into conclusions.

"Who's Sora?" she asked curiously.

"Just a friend... s-sorry for screaming," I said. I felt heat gather in my cheeks. It's always hard to call someone a friend... it's always been a challenge to say the word "friend".

She looked disappointed. "That's all right... I'll see you tomorrow at noon."

"Okay... tomorrow." I need to be at the headquarters by six and I won't be leaving until one in the afternoon. How do I bend time...? Clones... cloning solve everything.

Zetsu, is dropping by more often, he says he's here to watch Rin, Kakashi, Minato, Kushina, and me. I guess I am in Obito's friend circle, I was afraid I didn't make the cut. Now I'm temporarily safe from Uchiha Madara's wrath.

\(- _ - )/

Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colours, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night.

~Rainer Maria Rilke

A/N: Thanks for being the 50th person to favourite, Wood3d, I really appreciate it.

(Spoiler Alert, probably not but I'm still putting this unnoticeable notice. How many of you actually read the A/N?)

That Naruto ending, phew... when I saw Sasuke poke Sakura's forehead I said, "Damn, that's like... the first time he affectionately made physical contact with Sakura. But the poke originated as a show of brotherly affection... so... what is he trying to say?"

I read on then I see Naruto's son and Sasuke's daughter. First I said "what the heck, second I laughed at their names, and third I imagined a volcano exploding lava that spelled their "shipping" name, then there was this moment of realisation.

"So... if either one of them (Naruto and Sasuke) were a girl... they would have ended up together? Salad...who the hell names their kid Salad?!" (the name could have been a different but that's how the site translated it so I'm committing to calling her that) Anyone else in the same boat as me?

Also, what would their shipping name be? The Electrifying Buffet, perhaps?