Burn
"Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all." – Emily Dickinson
Chapter Seven
I felt a little anxious after work. Kakashi came by and picked me up after work. He still hadn't brought up the "talk" we'd have later. Instead, he whisked me away to the ever delightful and mysterious warehouse behind the Anbu headquarters. It was close to the place Ibiki had trained me years ago. Back when Naruto was small, Sasuke scrunched his nose at me in irritation, and my biggest fear was Kakashi himself.
"And what mischief are we up to now?" I asked him, my hands clasped behind my back as we carried on. A guard saw us approaching, but he paid us no mind. Hatake just raised his hand in greeting and carried on.
"You'll see." He said mysteriously, his lone eye sparked mischievously.
Ah! Always plotting.
I suppressed a grin as I carried on beside him.
Records. We were heading to the official Konoha shinobi records!
"And does the Hokage know of our hi-jinks?" I asked him softly, bumping his shoulder playfully. I still felt a little nervous about this talk he wanted to have. When did he want to talk, even? Later he said but…..
"I got clearance today." He said as we entered. It was surprisingly not as guarded as I thought it should be.
I hummed and trailed after him as we entered.
It was a standard storage facility. Boring but normal in my line of work. There were boxes and file cabinets as long as the eye could see. Papers were placed orderly around. It must be where Tsunade stores things after she's through with them. Or, rather, the Hokage does. I wondered how many shinobi files were in that warehouse.
"And we're here for-?"
"Mozuku. And Owl." Kakashi provided. I paused. An expression must have passed on my face as his eyebrow raised and his eye crinkled.
"Have something against this?" He asked playfully, "didn't think you would. Standard practice before we work with someone, right?"
I blushed. I still felt like a complete fool over that!
"To be fair I had no idea we would work together, and I had been after something completely different!" I protested. He chuckled and turned away to look for Mozuku's files.
"Is that so?" He called after me, over his shoulder.
"Of course! Had I known, I wouldn't have even looked at those silly medical papers!" I grumbled. "Brought me nothing but grief!"
He continued to chuckle as I followed after him. Ugh.
Together, we soon found Mozuku's files. He took a few, I had a few others. He had a flashlight to help us this time.
It was almost like old times.
"And what are you looking for?" I asked softly as he handed me the file. Kakashi turned to look at other files. He was looking for who I assumed was Owl.
"Anything weird. See if he has any long blocks missing from school. Or what his grades were. Most ROOT didn't attend, but we can't rule out the possibility." He explained softly.
I paused, placing a hand on the cabinet before me. Who was Root?
My darling's gaze softened for a second, and he added "I'll explain later."
I could near piece the puzzle together myself. Root had to be some secret shinobi clan or team or membership of some sort. Since this is the village of the leaves, it would be more hidden, more discreet than anything else. And, more than likely, more dangerous too.
I opened Mozuku's file and ran through it. I tried to look at it objectively. Surely that young, geeky coworker of mine wasn't involved! He seemed too sweet and innocent and - and he also helped Ibiki in the honesty room. I squashed the previous ideas in my head. Maybe I didn't know him as much as I thought I did.
Mozuku's history in Konoha wasn't very elaborate. He went to classes, his grades were good enough - had to go through the Chunin exam a few times. Looks like he only got tripped up at the finals. He wasn't much of a fighter. That was something I understood well enough. I started flipping through his school reports - nothing odd. Nothing out of place. Nothing wrong.
I looked up to see my Darling opening a new file and shifting through it. I watched him for a moment before wrapping up with what I was doing. Mozuku seemed as dull as I liked to be; below notice and keeping his nose clean. His stats were as I expected, though.
Ninjutsu 2.5
Taijutsu 3
Genjutsu 4
Intelligence 4
Strength 3
Speed 2.5
Stamina 4
Hand seals 3
From the notes about him, they spoke about how quick he was and how well he took to the Yamanka teaching, especially for an orphan. I hadn't even known Mozuku was an orphan. But I could easily see it. He never did talk about family. Then again - neither did I.
I carefully placed his files back where they belonged. I took care to make it look just as it was. I didn't know how much clearance Kakashi had gotten.
I moved over to my Darling. His brow low as he flipped through this mystery file. I glanced at the name quickly - Yasu.
The man's picture was nothing like I thought Owl would look like. He had deep blue eyes and tawny colored hair hanging low around his ears. I clicked my tongue.
"Never pictured him to look like that." I murmured.
Kakashi grunted softly as he flipped through. His mouth pursed and I picked up another file. His stats were impressive like all Anbu.
Ninjutsu 3.5
Taijutsu 3
Genjutsu 3
Intelligence 5
Strength 3.5
Speed 5
Stamina 4
Hand seals 3.5
It was noted that he specialized in healing and had an excellent control on his chakra. He wasn't good at throwing kunai, apparently. That - struck me a little funny. I didn't know why.
"I haven't seen Yasu in a while." Kakashi murmured as he flipped through the files.
"Did you work with Owl?" I asked, knowing what Owl had said before. I could see his lips purse behind his mask.
"No. I only knew him in passing. I left the corp and he went in a few months later." He said.
"He - he said he watched you fight. Years ago. Said you were terrifying. Said you had no regard for others." I said softly, "right before we teamed up."
Kakashi hummed. He glanced at me and turned back to put the files away.
"Owl might be a cover." He said. "The Yasu I knew didn't like me for another reason. I haven't seen him in a long time. He could have been replaced. It's been years.."
I stilled. That long? Was it possible? Had the Owl I had known not have bee the actual Anbu? I mulled it over and looked at the papers again.
"He was bad at kunai throwing?" I asked hesitantly.
"Yes. he didn't even like carrying them. Said it was unreliable. Why?" He asked, looking over at me.
"When I went to get Sasuke and - and fought Kabuto… Right before I passed out, a kunai had been thrown in front of me." I said, "I had asked Anko and Owl to come. Anko doesn't use kunai. But I don't know if he was the one who threw it. I didn't see who it was."
"It could have been him. Or it could have been one of the students." He agreed softly. We shared a look. It sounded like we'd have to set a trap.
"He doesn't come over when you're there." I said softly.
"He seems like he's been interested in you lately. We can make it seem like I left." Kakashi offered.
I thought about it and agreed, nodding as I crossed my arms. I had known Owl might be an enemy. But now it was becoming more real. He taught me ninjutsu and hand seals! How strange to think that it would turn out like this.
"We should. And we should get going." I murmured to him. Kakashi nodded, and put the papers and files away again. Soon enough it was like we had never been there. He helped direct me out, his hand on the small of my back. It was dark by the time we left. The moon already stood high in the night air, the stars only just starting to shine.
I leaned against my Darling for a moment, sending him a small smile. His eye crinkled as he turned his head to look at me. He waited a beat before he started his own questions.
"How was Mozuku?" He asked me.
"As boring as I hope to appear." I said, glancing back at him. Kakashi chuckled softly and shook his head.
"Oh? That bad, huh?"
I scoffed at him and playfully nudged him.
"Mozuku is a fine shinobi. Squeaky clean past, no craziness, no missing work, nothing suspicious." I clarified, sending my darling a look.
Kakashi hummed as we left. Instead of heading to my place, he guided me in almost the opposite direction. I looked up at him curiously.
"Our talk." He murmured.
"Should we talk in public, if he's-?" I began and Kakashi grunted softly. Without warning, he pulled me into his arms and leapt up into the night sky. I stopped breathing for the second, not expecting that and clung to him.
"Hatake!" I hissed and he just sent me a smile as he bounded over to his apartment instead. The best he gave me was an eye-smile. He bounded across the village with me in his arms. I almost missed my stuttering shy boyfriend, as opposed to this new version of him. Like anything, he took it in stride and was quite capable even in this. I leaned against him as he carried me off to his apartment.
This talk must have not been as terrible as I thought originally. After sitting me down, he immediately went to the kitchen, glancing over his shoulder at me. He went to his fridge and started to pull out some vegetables and a cut of pork.
"Hungry?" He asked.
"Yes; I really didn't eat much for lunch." I said. He sent me another look before moving to start to prepare dinner. "I'm fine, my love. Don't worry about me."
He paused for a second. I saw the tension between his shoulders grow for just a couple seconds. Ah. So that's what his talk would be about. Grand.
I couldn't say I blame him. I nearly died had it not been for Anko and the very concerning Owl. I leaned back on the counter, and looked over to him. It might be better to step away from that topic for right now. We needed to get business out of the way first.
"So. Root." I began. Slowly I watched the tension drain from his shoulders. He started working on prepping the vegetables. I moved to go pull out his favored spices. He liked the more mild tastes.
"ROOT is- was a division within the ANBU created by Shimura Danzo behind the Third's back. Danzo operated in the shadows, taking advantage of the orphans. He tried to recruit me." Kakashi explained softly.
Again, I was reminded that this was a ninja village. Secrets had secrets, and shadows had deeper, darker holes they were hiding.
Grand.
"He also made an attempt on Sarutobi-sama's life. Danzo wanted to be Hokage." He said and I froze. I stared at him slack jawed.
"And he was allowed to live after that?" I asked, stunned.
"The third was gracious."
"Gracious!" I snapped, "Gracious would be letting that cow live in a cell and rot. He already formed an elite crew of secret agents and then made an attempt on the Hokage's life!"
Kakashi sent me a look. I didn't get that disapproving frown from him often, but there it was.
"It isn't our place to criticize the Hokage. It was his decision to let you live. It was also his decision to allow you to become who you are now. And it was because of him that I began to trust you." He said firmly.
I exhaled and turned my head. Fair enough.
"He also wanted to recruit you, obviously. I'm betting that after your arrival and how strange it all was - I'm sure the information you have was a tempting possibility." He continued.
I nearly wanted to wave off the concern, but it was clear. Danzo was a threat still. He was in the village and potentially using Owl to get to me.
"So - so worst case is that Yasu, the Owl you know is either ROOT, or was killed by them to have someone take their place." I said, shooting him a glance from the corner of my eye. Kakashi nodded, turning back to his task.
"And that Root is up and running like old times." I added as he moved to get out a pan to saute the onions and peppers.
"I doubt they ever stopped. Sarutobi-sama was very lenient, I will agree with that. I'll have to look into it. I've even wondered…." He paused, and I looked up at him.
"Yes?"
"It's - suspicious now that I think about it. The Uchiha massacre happened so suddenly. Itachi changed like he had out of nowhere. The night before the massacre Sarutobi-sama had decided to go and speak with the Uchiha clan head to resolve tensions we had. It's strange that this was when the massacre happened." Kakashi said, looking back at me.
That was odd.
I hummed softly, and looked him over. It was something we'd have to look into.
"We will have to get to the bottom of this. It's near obvious he's still operating. And it wouldn't be a jump to assume he'd try to become Hokage again. Tsunade may be in danger." I explained. For the first time I saw a little bit of sadness sweep into his gaze. He turned and focused on what he was doing in front of him.
"All Hokages are in danger. Most want to be the Kage, Tami-chan. It's not an easy life." He said firmly.
Ah.
So I see.
My shoulders dropped. How blind I'd been. At sometime in the future, Kakashi would be Hokage. He'd be in danger and I…. Well, it was best for me to get stronger. I needed to get stronger for him. I couldn't be a liability to him.
I sat down quietly and waited for him to be done cooking. Apparently things have been on his mind since -. Well, since all of it. So it was time to face the music as it were.
Our talk waited until after we ate. We didn't talk much other than confirm that Mozuku was fine to bring in. I decided due to the situation at hand, I'd show him a page to decode and keep him out of it. He was the good sort and knew how to keep quiet. I'm sure with the key to the puzzle, I could decode the rest. I didn't want anything to fall onto my coworkers if things turned south. Best not burden them, after all.
Kakashi sat in silence, almost lost in thought. I watched him and waited. He'd speak when it was time. I could prompt him but due to the situation, I thought it might be best if he took the lead on it.
"I've almost lost you twice." He said out of the blue. "You almost died the second time."
I grimaced. He certainly didn't sugar-coat it. Then again, the man did loathe it.
"Almost," I added, waiting for him to continue.
"I don't want to lose anyone else." He said. My shoulders dropped. So was he-? Did he not want me anymore? A bit delayed, but if that was what he decided I couldn't just-.
"No- no, not that." He amended, reaching out for my hand. I tentatively took it in my own. "I was relieved when you decided to stay in the village and work in T&I. You do good work there. I thought you'd be safe there. And I leave on a mission and you-."
And I had left to go after Sasuke and nearly got myself killed by Kabuto. He nearly lost another loved one. I hadn't planned on it happening.
"I'm getting stronger," I murmured.
"You want to go out into the field with Orochimaru knowing you could have answers about things that he shouldn't know," Kakashi said pointedly.
"I'm not planning on facing him anytime soon. I'd run."
"And Kabuto?"
I flinched.
"I'd… I'd rather get strong enough to face him and beat him-"
"No. I want you to run." He said sternly.
I sat like a stone. I had wanted to get back at that little vermin. I had wanted him to pay for what he put me through - what Kakashi went through.
And yet, he wanted me to stay away.
"He could know that you would want to go after him. Turn it into a trap. If you go out, even if you're a jounin, promise me that you won't go looking for Kabuto."
"I… and if he is trying to hunt me?"
"Run if you can. Kill him if you can't."
My eyebrows raised, and I looked at Kakashi. I'd never heard him say anything like that before. I didn't even know what to say to him. Kabuto was clearly close to Kakashi's level in skill. I'd have to get quite a lot better to even get close.
"I… I want to teach you some seals. And Iryo jutsu, even if my skills are limited. I want you to see if Tsunade-sama is willing to teach you."
I wasn't Tsunade's favorite person. I didn't even think she liked me much. But the look in my darling's eye - I had to.
"Does that mean I have to call you Kakashi-sensei?" I asked him, trying to lighten the mood. He blushed and stuttered for a moment, turning his head away. I couldn't help the giggle that escaped my mouth.
"I'm serious."
"I know, Lovely. I'll take it up as well. I need to learn other types of elemental jutsu anyway, I'm rather sure it'll fit right into my particular set of skills. Anything else while we're on the topic?" I asked. I didn't think he'd add anything else. But he was always insistent on surprising me.
"I want you to wear a flak jacket any time you leave the village." He said firmly.
My mouth fell open. That hideous thing?
"Darling, it doesn't even help you. It's ugly and-"
"And it's armor." He said firmly.
"Yes, but it-"
"It'll stop anything from hitting vital organs."
"But, Darling-"
"I want you to wear it."
I stared at him, flummoxed. He was that insistent? That much?
I blinked and sat back in my chair. He wanted me to wear that ugly piece of armor? It was like a puffer jacket! I'd look like the Michelin Man! But - but the look in his eye and his actions said he wouldn't be swayed.
"Fine." I grumbled finally, "I'll wear the thing."
His face softened. That little tension between his shoulders eased, and he was my lovely Darling once more.
He walked me home that night and showed me how to set up some good seals on my windows. He even set one that would alert him if anyone tampered with it. That one he wouldn't let me learn it, yet.
"It's too advanced." He warned.
I sent him a look but didn't argue. I'd learn it later, be it on my own or him teaching me. I would make sure of it.
"Tami-chan - I'm heading out on my next mission tomorrow." He said, looking into my eyes after it was all done. We sat down on the couch as we talked about the jutsus he just showed me. He surely would teach me how to use that Iryo-Jutsu too.
"Already? I thought I might have you a little longer." I said. His eye crinkled again, and he pulled me in for a tight hug. I was halfway on his lap, but I don't think it bothered either of us.
"You might want me to go, Tami-chan. Jiraiya had heard about Sasuke being sighted up north. Asuma thought it might be a good idea for me to go since you're still training." He said warmly.
Sasuke? He was going to get Sasuke? They might even be able to get Uncle! Both of them would be away from that beast and home safe. I leaped into his arms and wrapped my arms around his neck, clinging to him. I pulled away, my mind whirling with what he'd need to make everything go well. Blankets! Snacks, of course. No cigars for Uncle, it was a filthy habit.
"When do you go?" I asked, "Do you need anything? I could pack you an extra lunch. Maybe two, in case. Uncle will be so irritable! But I'm sure you'll handle it well enough. Will you get them both? Or do you have different mission goals?"
Kakashi gave me a comforting squeeze, "We don't know. But we're going to investigate it."
I tried not to feel disappointed. I placed my hands on his chest and shrugged softly.
"Well - then I'll look forward to your return," I murmured. Maybe they could get them both. Or maybe - maybe Kakashi would just get more intel. I tried not to place too much thought into it.
My Love chuckled at me, "Now you're eager to have me go, hm?"
"Maybe I'm excited to have all of my loved ones in one place," I murmured to him. Though - what was keeping Sasuke with Orochimaru? Was it death threats? Otherwise? I hoped my Darling could find him too.
His gaze warmed, and he kissed my nose. He was a dear when he wanted to be. He did show me a few simple Iryo Jutsu, just so that I could get an idea. I didn't like it. It felt like working both backward and upside down with chakra. Although I'm sure if I had an interest in it, I'd do fine, but it wasn't truly my forte. I wasn't the best, but
He left later on that night, giving me a sweet kiss goodnight. I planned to train even more while he was away and see if I could get Mozuku's help. If I got strong enough, next time I could go with perhaps. In the meantime, maybe I could get a girl's day with Maya or Kurenai. I'd love to go to the beach or the Capital for some shopping but - I was still living a strict village-only life.
How fun, ah?
I kept the journal well hidden at home, even sealing my door in the process. I didn't want Owl snooping if he was still around. Maybe I'd find a way to clip his feathers! I had a copy of one of the early pages of the diary. It was the least likely to have any details that could cause issues down the line.
I waited for Shinobu to leave the breakroom, having set up a distraction for him with Ibiki earlier in the day. I watched him grumble quietly and I waited for him to clear the room entirely.
Mozuku didn't pay anyone any mind, adjusting his glasses and picking at his rice.
I approached, moving to sit down across from him.
"So, how've you been?" I asked him, not sure how to start this. We weren't exactly close as coworkers. We tolerated each other well enough though, somewhere between being acquaintances and distant friends.
Mozuku looked up, his brow raised.
"Uh - good. Where's Hatake today?" He asked, looking to the door. I tried not to blush. Nope. I wouldn't be embarrassed at all!
"Busy. We've been working on something."
"Right." He replied dully.
"Anyway, we came across something. Thought you might be of help." I said and he just sat back and adjusted his glasses.
"I'm listening." He said, eyeing me as if I were a new puzzle to solve.
"I may have noticed your love of solving ciphers. And I just so happen to have a page and a key with me." I said. He crossed his arms and watched me. His eyes narrowed for a second before he glanced away.
"Maybe I can. For a price." He said finally. His lips pressed together and I waited for a beat.
"And that would be?" I asked finally. He shifted nervously. His face slowly turned red, starting from his ears all the way to his nose. He shifted again and coughed.
"S-so, I heard you got Jiraiya and Tsunade together." He said, shooting me a look.
"I… might have," I said. I still didn't know how I managed that one. She seemed to hate him, and he was enamored but overly eager.
"W-well… there's a girl. And-and I really like her." He began shifting nervously again. He shot a look at the door.
"Oh?" I asked.
"I-I'd do something but she's a Hyuuga." He said. "I can't even do anything. The clan wouldn't ever let me date her. I'm sure of it."
A Hyuuga? I grimaced. I didn't know much about the Clan politics, but I knew enough to know it wouldn't go over well. It would be like Kakashi needing approval from my father to date me. It never would have happened, and more than likely my father already had one of his slimy associates set up for me somewhere.
"I really don't know if I can do anything," I said weakly.
"I just need you to promise you'll try! Tsunade-sama gave the pervert a chance! If I have your help, maybe I can… maybe there's hope." He said. My shoulders dropped. Maybe I should give it a shot. It wasn't like I wasn't aware of that world. I could do it. Shine him up so even the clan knew they couldn't say no. He'd have to sell the idea that he'd be a benefit to the Clan and not a liability.
It could work. He was an orphan. I could find the angle and exploit it.
"I can try," I said finally.
"I'll take it," Mozuku said, taking my hand in his and shaking it. "She's so cute and sweet! I can't not at least try."
I handed him the paper with the key added on the top.
"I would say that this paper doesn't exist." I told him softly, "I never gave this to you, and if anyone sniffs around - burn it."
Mozuku froze, his fingers stiffening around the page. His gaze shifted to meet mine. He nodded after a moment.
"Of course." He said finally. "But I need to make sure you'll make a strong attempt on your end."
"I'll do everything I can. Wouldn't have said yes otherwise." I told him. I probably should have explained more before I even asked. I hadn't meant for it to happen that way but… "If need be, we can negotiate."
Mozuku shook his head. "Orphans don't marry into Clans like the Hyuuga. I think this is fair."
Love. The man was in love with this woman already. I decided then I'd do everything in my power to make sure this goes well. And, well, research first if the girl was interested. I learned my lesson well from Tsunade. She might have become willing, but she certainly wasn't fond of me even now.
"I'll see to it, Luv. No need to be concerned." I said, moving to stand up. Mozuku's lips pressed together once more and he nodded, folding up the paper and hiding it in his pocket.
"I'll take care of this." He said quietly.
Lovely. Now I just needed to research on my end. Hopefully, this lover was willing.
"And her name?"
"Hyuuga Airi." He said sweetly. If he could have floated off into the air and daydreamed he would have.
Ah - that bad. I hoped the lady was just as interested in him. Time will certainly tell.
I left quietly and we went our separate ways. I spent the remaining day with my Love, plotting how to handle the situation until he had to go on the mission. I saw him off with a sweet kiss and once again - I was on my own.
The next morning I trained hard early in the morning. I'd get some information from Neji. He was the closest contact I had. Hopefully, he would be willing, although he was deeply private.
I started in on my other training, working on my voice more and more. I waited for Taijutsu training with Gai before asking, "Would it be okay if I trained with Neiji? Had some things to ask him, thought it might work."
Through a burst of energy, Gai assured me that was okay and off I went to find him. The young Hyuuga sent me a frown but we all moved around to train.
"You realize this is weird. You training with us and being around. You should probably find your own team to train with." He complained surly.
Tenten sent him a frown of her own, "Neiji! Just because you didn't get a good night's sleep last night doesn't mean you can be mean!"
"We should be getting ready for the exams, and instead we're training with her," Neiji complained.
"We are training. We're learning different tactics! It's been so fascinating to see Tami-chan's different fighting styles. It looks like she's skilled in wind and I for one can't wait until I face her to get stronger, myself!"
I watched the two bicker like a married couple and took a step back. Well, then… I hadn't even known Tenten had been watching that closely. Or that she even thought that way.
"He's been stressed out about going back to the exams and looking stupid in front of the clan head. Ignore him." Tenten said.
Neiji just scoffed and turned to me. He sent me a dark look, "Let's just get this over with."
It was at that moment I decided to shift my strategy. I wasn't going to put up with his attitude all day.
"On second thought - Tenten, shall we?" I asked, waving my hand. Neiji's eyes bugged out, his mouth falling open just the slightest bit.
Tenten giggled and nodded. We moved off to the side to work together. I would have preferred to work with Neiji, but he was being rude. And maybe it was time for me to step away from training so closely with them. I could probably train with a shadow clone. It would build up my endurance too. Might as well.
Tenten was insistent on me using the Canary Call as we battled. She was a little exuberant.
"Lovely, stop throwing everything but the kitchen sink," I told her, shifting and moving around another weapon. "It's grand you can use it, but you need to focus. On one."
Tenten's brow furrowed and she darted to go after me again, this time with a tanto. Well, at least I was getting experience dealing with weapons more. Most didn't have the, ah, range Tenten had. She had some serious skill, though. I hoped she could finetune it.
As we rested after training, I sat down next to Neiji. He shot me an irritated glance but I sent a grin his way. He was sitting off to the side on the
"I'm sure the grapes weren't that great, Mister Fox," I said jokingly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He grumbled and I chuckled. I leaned back and studied him for a moment. He might not be the best entrance point to this debacle.
"How intense are the clan politics?" I asked him. He sent me a shrewd look.
"What do you think?" He drawled.
Fair enough.
"I think that it's in part prestige, part image. I've a friend who has a special interest in a Hyuuga girl."
"She's probably already set up with someone in the Clan. Or an approved outsider. He should quit while he's ahead." Neiji advised. That was rather somber.
"I think not. I've barely begun to investigate." I added, "Besides, you never know. I might be able to get something to work if she's interested too."
Neiji stared at me for a long minute, "I wondered where Naruto got his audacity. Now I know."
I laughed and shook my head, "Mm, no. I'd rather like to think his rubbed off on me. That boy has never understood 'no' and 'impossible'."
Neiji scoffed and looked away. "That's one way to put it."
I leaned back, remembering all of what Neiji said and experienced during the last Chunin exams. He must have had a hard life and upbringing. I could imagine in part what it was like. I gently bumped his arm.
"One of these days, you'll get tired of watching all your friends shine and finally join them," I said playfully. He sent me a look only Sasuke could better and jumped off the ledge to meet up with his teammates.
Well, off to work. And to wonder about Sasuke, my Uncle, and how Kakashi was faring.
X
Oliver and Sasuke hadn't had much time to prepare, but between the two of them - Oliver knew it would happen. Orochimaru held Sasuke on a tight leash, but thankfully the others around were easy to manipulate. And then the Kid knew how to use those crazy eyes of his in wild ways like mind control. It was always short stints and the kid was drained afterward. He didn't say how tired it made him, Oliver saw it but didn't bring it up. The Kid had to become a man somehow. He was probably coddled by Tami.
The two planned to make a move that night. Kabuto was on his way back, and Oliver could see Sasuke getting antsy. He tried to hide it but the Detective could see right through it. Oliver sat back in his cell as one of the many children that Snake had under his control walked in. He recognized the dazed look immediately. The child stepped up and paused in front of Oliver's cell.
"It's done." Came the dull boring response.
Oliver grunted as his cellmates looked at the child. Botan looked up in alarm and glanced around. He'd stopped crying so much a day ago. It was a welcome reprieve.
Jomei, his other cellmate, sent Oliver a look as the mind-control child blinked and looked around.
"I… Orochimaru-sama! I'm late!" He shouted and ran from the room.
Oliver grunted and leaned back against the wall. The kid needed to work on being subtle, but this was good enough for now. It was the last day. All they needed to do was not mess it up.
Jomei leaned over, "Whatever you're doing - make sure we get to leave too."
Oliver suppressed a smile. That was part of the plan. He would be harder to track, after all. Especially with all of the prisoners missing.
"Don't know what you're talking about," Oliver said.
He had three hours he had left to wait until he could start the second to last phase of the plan. He needed to start a riot. It should be very simple. Especially with-.
"Don't touch me!" The Kiri teen screeched.
Oliver suppressed a smile. Yup. Easy.
X
Kakashi landed beside the team. Asuma had brought his team, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji. Ino looked over at him curiously as they landed. Choji groaned, moving to sit down.
"Are we done? I don't think there's anything around here for miles." He grumbled, pulling out a bag of chips from his pocket.
"Oh! Would you just stop? We're looking for a hideout! It's not going to be obvious!" Ino said in exasperation.
Shikamaru stuffed his hands in his pockets and rolled his eyes. He turned his head and looked at Asuma. "Troublesome. I warned you about this."
"Yeah. Yeah, you did." Asuma snorted and nodded to the team. "Rest. Kakashi and I will look around. Shikamaru, you're in charge."
"Why's he in charge?" Ino cried out. Asuma chuckled and he left with Kakashi before a fight could break out.
The two men took to the trees. Kakashi expected them to be running longer but Asuma stopped not far from the camp.
"Hey - been thinking about it. D'you think that Tami and that Uncle of hers have similar scents still?" Asuma asked.
Kakashi paused. Maybe. Family did smell similar. Maybe not exact, but it was worth a shot. He pulled out the scroll to summon Pakkun. The three soon took off, guided by Pakkun's nose.
It wasn't as easy as Kakashi had hoped. It had recently rained and it was difficult to track the scent. Kakashi also wondered if Tami's scent on him was making it harder to track her Uncle as Pakkun was trying to use the familial scent to find the man.
The three returned to the campsite hours later when it was too late.
"We couldn't find anything," Asuma complained, looking over to Shikamaru.
"It might have been fake sightings." He offered. Kakashi mulled it over - it could have been. Orochimaru might have been trying to pull her out of hiding. It might have worked, but she was restricted to the village.
"We can't rule it out," Asuma admitted quietly. Kakashi watched as he went to reach for his pocket and stopped. He must be on another kick to quit smoking. He wondered what brought that choice up this time. Kakashi sat quietly, sharing a look with Pakkun. His Tami was hoping for her Uncle to return but they had no luck. No tracks, no scent, no sign so far.
"It could be hidden in a jutsu of some kind," Choji added. Kakashi sighed. Probably, but something massive would have to happen to change that.
"I don't get why we're looking for Tami's Uncle. Sasuke, I understand. But some random guy we don't even know?" Ino added in.
"Not now, Ino-chan." Asuma chided, shaking his head. He leaned in and looked over to Kakashi. The two men knew there was more to it. But neither could say. Not even to Shikamaru. It was above his level. Technically neither of them should even know either. Asuma figured it out because of his father, and Kakashi had been told.
"We're out here, and Sasuke isn't even here! We should be getting ready for-"
A loud boom split the still night air. Trees shifted under the force and fire shot out into the air. Kakashi and Team 10 jumped to their feet. Flames lit up the night sky, and animals ran past them to flee out of fear. An explosion rocked the surroundings. What had once been hidden behind an illusion had just shattered. The compound Orochimaru had been hiding in was exposed. It stood tall in the night sky, fire pouring out from every entrance and exit.
Kakashi raced toward the explosion. Asuma snapped out orders to Team Ten as they moved toward it. Kakashi and Pakkun split from the group, intent on finding Oliver. Maybe he could find Sasuke in the wreckage? And Tami's Uncle. She'd be pleased and he wouldn't have failed Sasuke as his teacher. He had to try.
Kakashi got close to the burning building, now exposed to the night. Fire poured out of the windows as people ran from the structure.
He couldn't find Sasuke. Or Orochimaru, for that matter. The Sanin was missing in action. Kakashi stopped his search and shifted to focus on Oliver. Orochimaru wouldn't let Sasuke escape so quickly. He would have found him first. Oliver was just a bonus prize to them. A civilian could die in this. He needed to move quickly if Oliver was there. Kakashi ran over the water, heading to the structure. He found a place where the fire wasn't extreme. He climbed in the window and started looking as Pakkun stayed outside, waiting for him.
Kakashi slunk through the building. Everything was on fire in what looked to be the laboratory. Papers and stacks of files up in smoke in mere seconds. Kakashi went looking for the holding cells. He raced down the hall to look for the old man. He couldn't report back to Tami her Uncle died in a fire. They had been so close! He found the cell block soon enough, finding it thankfully empty. In fact, he could see evidence of his Chidori on one of the jail cells.
Kakashi was satisfied Oliver didn't die in the fire. Sasuke freed him at some point - the other jail cells were just as empty. Metal bent in and out at strange angles. Kakashi escaped the blaze and building, going with Pakkun to find Team Asuma. The group stood by the bank of the lake, half of the team out of sight. By the time he returned to their side, Asuma sent him a look. He stepped over, his mouth pinched.
"You won't believe who found us," Asuma murmured. Kakashi looked over and saw a wet older man. The man had blond hair, and the area near his temples turning white. He had stern lines around his brow and mouth, and his sharp gray-green eyes felt unsettling. The man wasn't a ninja. But calling him a Civilian just felt wrong.
"You're such a weird old man! We were supposed to find Sasuke-kun. Not some old man." Ino exclaimed.
"And you're loud." a man grumbled, "and I'm not weird. Swimming away from an explosion makes sense."
"You ain't a ninja, huh? Coulda just used water walking." Choji added, "I guess you're just a civilian."
"I'm gonna pretend you didn't say that." The man grumbled, staring at Choji for a moment.
"We went here… for a civilian?" Shikamaru grumbled.
Kakashi looked at the man closer and saw it. Oliver started wringing out his garment as Pakkun jumped onto Kakashi's shoulder.
"Well - at least we found him, Boss," Pakkun said softly.
Kakashi hummed, eyeing the man. He'd have to make sure this really was Oliver. They'd have to clear him through Ibiki before Tami could see him.
"We need to get out of here. Plant a body so Orochimaru doesn't go looking." Kakashi murmured. Asuma nodded and looked at him.
"Go ahead and do that. We'll get to a safe place." Asuma advised.
Kakashi nodded and left the team to do just that.
They found Oliver or at least someone who potentially was him. It was another few hours before he returned to the team. Kakashi made sure he made some noise as he returned to camp. Oliver's gaze was on him the second he stepped into the clearing. The older man looked tense, a frown crossed his face.
"Who invited the Pirate?" He asked in better Japanese than Kakashi had expected. Tami hadn't known when she first came. He doubted Ino had the abilities of her father yet.
Kakashi ignored him and sat down near Asuma.
"That's Hatake Kakashi. He's with us." Asuma explained and Oliver grunted. He rubbed the back of his neck
"Your family named you scarecrow," Oliver stated.
Kakashi wasn't one to want to talk about his parents, having known only one for a limited time.
"Maaa… What was that? I don't think I heard you." He said brightly, sending an eye smile to Oliver. The man scoffed lightly, but a small smile tugged at his mouth.
"Walker Oliver. Good to meet you."
Kakashi sat near Asuma, knowing they'd have to rest for the night before they left for home. His Tami would be happy, although he hadn't managed to find Sasuke. The boy had been long gone before Kakashi could even look for him.
"Hey - can I bum a cig off of you?" Oliver asked. His students froze, Choji and Ino openly staring at the older man.
Asuma paused, looking to his students, "I don't-"
"The marks between your pointer and middle fingers on your main hand say otherwise. You out?" Oliver stated.
Asuma shifted and looked to Kakashi for support. He hadn't expected him to notice a detail that small.
"Trying to quit." Asuma offered up, "easier if it's not on you."
Oliver grunted and fell quiet.
"You're kidding me. Another crazy genius?" Ino hissed to Shikamaru and Choji, "I'm so done with it."
"Don't know what you're talkin' 'bout kiddo. I'm just a civilian." Oliver stated, a grin flickering across his face. His sharp eyes gave way to his intellect and insight.
Kakashi was sure that was Oliver. The books he read about the man told him as much. And he'd seen that look in his Tami's eyes far too often.
This was Oliver Walker.
END Chapter
AN: Hey guys! Sorry for the late upload. It's been a long one. Long story short - I had to leave my job for my own sanity. I'll leave it at that for right now; don't want to burden you with anything on my end. Anyway, I feel like this chapter is how I want it. I'm really happy it finally settled out. And soooo...
OLIVER IS SAFE! I'm glad this one is done with. It's one of the things I've been wanting to get out of the way for a time. Hopefully this time Tami and Oliver actually have a good reunion.
I hope you all are doing well, and having an amazing weekend. If anyone is curious to see what Tami looks like, please head to my Tumblr (same name here). I made a half-decent cover for Sparks and has Tami with her scar. I hope you like it!
Thank you all for all the support, the comments, the likes, and follows! See you next time.