Burn
"I wanted to tell them that I knew, that I remembered, and that I could not forget."
Sarah's Key, Tatiana De Rosnay
Chapter 12
Winter finally hit. The cold air felt stagnant in the cave he had found in the middle of the Land of the Mist. Kakashi felt weary. His feet were cold, he was tired and the stupid homework Maya left with him barely made sense. He had been sitting there, re-reading these sentences to himself as he relaxed for the night.
A rough-coated, dough-faced, thoughtful plowman strode through the streets of Scarborough; after falling into a slough, he coughed and hiccoughed.
Round and round the rugged rocks the ragged rascal ran.
He groaned. He might just be too tired to read it. Maya had been stunned by how quickly he took to English. Kakashi knew it was a combined effort of his Sharingan and skill. It wasn't impossible, but how many different vowel sounds did one language need ? He found it unnecessary, but Maya insisted that it mattered. A few times he messed up on purpose. Mostly because it was funny to see her scowl at him. It was like a small bunny both glaring and pouting at him at the same time. The good news was that he understood Oliver's barbs. So far, he'd heard pirate, girl scout , that old man, and lazy-ass .
At least he was creative , Kakashi figured. He preferred his Tami's nicknames. Patches wasn't that bad. Oliver didn't talk about him too much. Tami would defend him, snipping, " behave!" or "stop that! He's a dear."
Kakashi could see the stress that Oliver had been inadvertently causing. So, Kakashi kept his distance and didn't often go to Tami's home when Oliver was there. He did plan to confront Oliver at some point as it wasn't fair, but he didn't want to make Tami's last remaining weeks with her Uncle painful. So, Kakashi kept his mouth shut. At least he was getting better at this English thing.
He decided it was about time to get to bed, pulling out the blanket from his bag Tami insisted he take. Pakkun should be done with his side mission, so Kakashi summoned him to check in. The pug appeared in a poof of smoke and quickly learned how his Sunshine was doing. Tami was doing well, though Pakkun overheard an argument break out between the two. Pakkun didn't say what it was, but Kakashi had a few guesses.
"She's fine. That Owl punk isn't acting too suspicious anymore, but that don't mean much of anything." Pakkun concluded. He sent Kakashi a look.
The Copycat nin tried not to sigh. He leaned back against the cave wall and mulled it over. He had quite a few things on his mind as of late. He wanted his Tami safe, he wanted to ensure she was safe as best as he could. He had been mulling over the idea of asking her to sign a contract with his Pack. It would ensure she would be found easier, and they'd be able to communicate more easily while away.
"Do you think the pack will accept her?" Kakashi asked suddenly. Pakkun's ear perked up, his gaze snapping to Kakashi.
"I don't think none of 'em have anything against her." He replied. "I know Akino and her don't seem like they're buddies, but I don't think he cares one way or the other."
Kakashi hummed softly, "Do you think they'd accept her if she signed the contract?"
Pakkun stalled. His mouth fell open as he thought about it, but it snapped shut after a moment. It took him a long minute to reply.
"I think Bisuke would challenge her. So'd Urushi." Pakkun said finally. Kakashi agreed silently. They were the two more stubborn summons.
"And what about the others?"
"Guruko seems t' like her. Uhei would probably be ok. You know Bull won't mind it none. Akino -" Pakkun paused, and scratched his ear with his hind leg as he thought, "Dunno what he'd do. Don't think he'd argue, but I don't know if he'd like it."
Akino was very proud. Kakashi couldn't say for sure what he would do either, but he doubted Tami would have as much trouble with Akino as she would with Bisuke and Urushi. It was a thought for now. He might bring it up later on.
"Want me to ask the pack?" Pakkun requested. Kakashi just nodded, sitting back. He wasn't going to spring the idea on them or make them comply. For all he knew, Tami would hate the idea. He didn't want to overstep into her bounds.
Kakashi took a few hours to rest up. He still needed to make the mad dash back home. He'd probably get home late. He'd have to wait to see his Tami the next morning (probably after he met up with Gai). He'd also have to have a talk with Oliver. He had let Tami deal with it, but it was time for them to talk.
X
Over the next few days, I sometimes indulged in sleeping at Kakashi's place. I felt a little odd about it. After all, he wasn't there and it almost felt presumptuous. How? I couldn't say. Maybe because his true bride could be out there. Was it selfish of me to hope he never found her? Maybe a little bit.
It was another miserable day that caused me to take refuge at my Darling's apartment. Owl had been getting testy as of late. A little more snippy, more short. I had attempted to confront it but the man vanished. Then Ibiki had been sour, threatening to toss me in the honesty room. Uncle was, well , Uncle. And then I found out the date for my Jounin Exam. I might have found refuge in my Darling's apartment. I might have pulled on one of his sweaters again (I couldn't help it). The next morning, I saw gray first upon waking up. My Love had found his way home and snuck into the bed beside me. He had bags under his eyes. He probably hadn't slept for a time.
Lovelies, let me tell you , sneaking out from the arms of a well-trained Shinobi was no easy task. He held me tight, I needed to carefully slip out. Getting out of the bed required me to climb on the wall. I may have nearly tripped. I don't know how I didn't wake up Kakashi. Maybe he was that tired? Maybe he was letting me keep what little pride I had left? I doubted the latter; he did seem to like to humble me at times.
I decided to go and get him breakfast. I didn't want to tempt waking him by banging around in the kitchen. He needed to rest by the look of it. I delivered breakfast to him, placing it in the fridge for him to wake up. He was still asleep when I returned. I would have stayed, but I couldn't. I had other responsibilities. I left a note for him, letting him know about the food I had gotten him before I left for the day. Of course, my love had somehow managed his return at the right time. The exam was today .
X
Kakashi had woken up late in the day. He had wished Tami had been there still, but she left breakfast for him, which was almost as nice. He decided to inform Tsunade about the updates he had found out from his extended mission. Danzo had connections with Orochimaru, through even Kabuto. The forcibly retired council member had his hand in many things, both for and against Konoha. Kakashi even wondered if he helped Orochimaru attempt to overthrow Hiruzen and Konoha.
After checking in and informing Tsunade about everything that he found out - Kakashi decided to hunt down Oliver. He silently made his way through the village, being only distracted twice. Once by a child who needed help, and the second time by Gai who wanted another competition.
It was unfortunately well past lunch by the time he was able to get to the old Police Force building. Oliver sat in the very chair Fugaku had once sat. The Detective flipped through reports and different shinobi profiles. Kakashi assumed that more than likely they were the potential new Officers.
"Y'gonna stand there all day?" Oliver growled, not even looking up. Kakashi felt his brow raise - his niece wouldn't have clocked him that fast. His silence must have been telling as the older man added, "If y'wanted to not get noticed, y'woulda made sure."
Kakashi hummed. He focused his gaze on the paperwork in Oliver's hand.
"You need to stop acting out against your niece. You'll spoil what little time you have left with her." He said.
Oliver finally looked at him. He leaned back, his graying brow nearly hitting his hairline.
"And you think we still are arguing..? Did Tams-?" He countered.
"We haven't spoken yet."
Oliver grunted. He crossed his arms and then nodded to the chair against the wall.
"I know you assassin-types are too cool t' sit, but it makes us older folk feel better."
Despite himself, Kakashi pulled the chair over and sat down. Oliver watched him - again, he could see the critical look that he was sure Tami had inherited. Kakashi remained quiet.
"Tams and I haven't spoken much . She's gone half the time to God knows where, and the other half studying for that joan-test." Oliver explained. Kakashi bet she might have been at his home. She seemed to have made herself comfortable. He didn't mind.
"Jounin."
"It's what I said."
Okay .
"So you're letting her stay?" Kakashi asked. That didn't sound like the Detective he knew from the books. Hiro never would -.
"Never said that," Oliver replied.
"Then why aren't you arguing?"
"'Cause Tams made a good point." Said the detective, looking like he ate a lemon. He pressed his mouth together. " Tams is an adult. An' for some reason , chose you . I don't get much of a say. I still think it's a bad choice for her t' stay. She'd be safer at home."
Kakashi knew otherwise. After learning who Natsumi was, he would do anything to ensure she didn't meet the same end. But, Kakashi chose not to argue with him over the point. It would be fruitless.
"Maa." Kakashi sighed, leaning back in his chair. Oliver shot him a humorous glance - the older man seemed to be trying not to smile.
"You come to lecture me?" Oliver asked.
Kakashi didn't expect him to be so straightforward like that. Sure, it was his nature, but to go right out and say it.
"I just wanted to make sure you didn't ruin the last time you might see your niece, Walker-san." He replied mildly.
Oliver grunted and scratched his neck. Kakashi felt that the conversation was over so he stood up and moved to leave.
"So. Do you fish?"
Kakashi paused. He knew exactly what was happening. Every time Hiro gave one of Natsumi's boyfriends a chance it was usually a fishing trip. And it usually resulted in him writing off the men for various reasons. Ruiji was flippant about his relationship with Natsumi. Akuseru instead carried on about how Natsumi just needed to let go of everything and change who she was. In some ways, he wasn't wrong - in others , it was what made Natsumi who she was. Both men Hiro promptly rejected, and both relationships ended in ruin. Kuso .
"Sometimes. I used to fish more. It's winter though." Kakashi answered after a moment. He shifted and turned back to see Oliver. He often had to when he was young. The price of groceries was expensive.
"Yeah? Still know how? We can find the right place."
"I should be able to. I had to fish alone while working with Tami-chan. She often fell into the water if left unattended." Kakashi said. It had been back when they just started working together. He had enjoyed watching her slip on the moss that he warned her about and fell right into the river.
Oliver chuckled and swiped his nose with his knuckle.
"Sounds like her. How 'bout this weekend? Figured Pirates need a break from plundering."
What was it with the Walkers and their nicknames?
"Maa. I guess I can make time." He'd have to set an alarm. He couldn't be late. Tami might have humored him, but he wouldn't get away with it with Oliver. Hiro would have never tolerated lateness.
X
The reason for Ibiki's previous ire happened to be because I had to leave work before lunch - he wasn't very pleased. I near about ran out the door fifteen minutes before my scheduled exam. Ibiki surely would get even with me later - maybe Tsunade would be merciful and would let me transfer to out-of-village missions immediately. However, I doubted it. She didn't seem to be a fan of mine.
I made it to the assigned building on time. I stepped in, feeling like I was heading into college for a final exam. I hadn't even felt this nervous when I went for my Genin or Chunin exams. One was just a benchmark, the other a whole display - this seemed far more serious. The Chunin exams were just a way for villages to brag. This was the true ninja test. A wiser shinobi could have gone through the exam silently. They could stay beneath the notice of others, become a Jounin and then live in the shadows and none would be wiser.
I suppose Danzo's little ploy had some cunning to it. He probably kept a close eye on talented Genin. An even closer eye on talented orphans. I wondered idly if Sasuke had ever been in Danzo's sight. Had I been Itachi? I'd have killed the man before I even left.
The Building I went into had a stately feel to it. I waited outside of the exam room, waiting for the door to open. There was seating available, but I couldn't quite sit down. I rather wanted to run, but I had to stand there.
After all this, there I was. Becoming a Jounin. Naruto would have been proud.
Soon enough, the doors opened. Inoichi stood there. A small smile played on his lips and he stepped aside to let me in. It was the only smile I saw. Shikaku seemed to have a permanent scowl on his face. He watched me like I was an enemy nin, his arms crossed over his chest. He didn't move from his place. Behind him had a long table - the council members from when I became a Genin were there. The dour Homura, and the stern Koharu. They too watched me as I entered. Shizune sat beside them, she offered a small and brief smile before the seriousness of the exam took that away too.
Grand. I did hate events like these. Took all the fun out of what I could have used to get myself through this all. I took a deep breath and soldiered on.
Sitting down at the only desk in the room which sat squarely in the middle of the room, I tried not to fidget. A pen and a stack of what looked to be over a hundred pages sat before me. The pages were face-down so I couldn't see the contents at all . Despite myself, I thought of my Love. I was glad I at least got to see him that morning. I wondered how he handled this. At twelve .
"Begin." Shikaku ordered. Behind him, Inoichi moved to sit beside Shizune. Shikaku didn't move, though it was clear the remaining seat at the table was for him.
Again - the difference between the previous tests struck me as I flipped the pages over. I felt like I was taking a bar exam.
A client has reached out to Konoha to help with a matter. This mission has been marked as a B-Rank. You have been chosen to go on the mission. While on the mission, it is clear that the client has lied about the requirements, involving state matters and well beyond the scope of the mission. What would be your next action?
Grand . I didn't like the particulars of the first question. It was all dependent . Why had the client lied? Did they need help? Did they lie knowingly? Unknowingly? Was it a ploy? Was it from another village looking to set up a trap? So many details. So much politics . I picked up the pen and started scribbling down everything I could. Every detail, every little thing.
Half of the packet had complex story questions. Some had more details, others had even less . The test thoroughly went through varied scenarios. The rest had been the finer details on elemental jutsu, proper application of chakra, and a whole slew of rules I had to pull back out from the recesses of my memory to even answer.
It took me hours to go through the packet. I could feel my hand cramping by the end of it.
But that wasn't all. Each and every answer was picked apart. I sat and watched as they murmured together quietly as they looked through the exam.
"What did you mean here?" Koharu asked, her head snapping up, "On question twenty-three, should a fellow shinobi fall in battle, you'd retrieve the body?"
Ah. I knew that one might trip me up. Konoha was nothing but practical. Going back for a body was a luxury very few were granted.
"The family would appreciate the closure I'm sure," I said mildly.
"The family would appreciate a completed mission." She replied waspishly.
I fought every urge to snap back. Something about it just sit funny with me. I took the second to breathe before I responded. Inoichi was kind enough to fill the silence.
"Having been in Tami's few memories - I know her people are more," He paused as he tried to find the right word, "celebrated for rescuing their fellow soldiers."
"There is no place for heroics on the job," Homura said evenly. "The mission takes priority."
"On the job, all one has sometimes are their teammates," Shikaku said after, stroking his chin in thought. He eyed me, his mouth pressing on one side. It was no wonder Sakumo took his own life if two council members were already this pressed about my returning a dead body to the family.
"Are you saying it's impossible to complete both the mission and returning the dead to their family?" I asked. It was a bit of a trick, but I needed to have these council members question themselves.
"It's an idealistic fantasy, " Koharu said dismissively. Well , my trick didn't work - on her. Homura sat back in his chair, his head tilted for just a second.
"Idealist to assume I could complete a mission, ensure the deal is done, circle back , seal the body in a scroll, and carry on home?" I asked. Koharu paused. She frowned at me. I saw a grin split across Inoichi's face before he hid it.
"You could be followed and ambushed." Homura pointed out. I saw a light flicker in Koharu's eye.
"Could. I doubt it. Both sides of that scuffle wouldn't be interested in returning to a battlefield. I just happen to be the sad sap who's interested in helping the family." I said with a grin, "My enemy would either be dead by then or too hurt to deal with me further. I've been told I can be an annoyance."
I saw Shizune fighting off a grin. Koharu just frowned. The group moved on to the next set of questions. I noted the ire in Koharu - I'd have to mind my tongue from then on out.
After the questions were through, each of my exam overseers stood and stepped out. I imagined they were talking about my passing the test or not. When they returned, none of them said a word. Shikaku stepped up - the next phase of the test. Showing I had two elemental jutsus under control. I decided to show off my wind and water control, though I still had some struggles with water. It was a fickle element, going as it wished. Wind too, but it was more gentle about its business. That part of the exam was just as extraneous. Shikaku insisted on testing my ability this way and that. He then asked for other tests - genjutsu. He requested all sorts of odd scenarios, staring at each and every illusion I managed to create. He'd humm as he looked it over and stepped away then ordered the next illusion.
Again - the group left to talk out of the room. The drawn-out display of it all drained me. It felt like it was hours before the door opened again.
I stared at that stupid boring brown door for near eons. I started double-guessing myself. Number fifteen, I could have answered a little clearer. Seventy? Maybe more articulate. The elemental jutsu exam - maybe I should have waited, and sharpened my water jutsu skill better. My genjutsu was fine. Kakashi had said so - but was he being sweet on me? He wasn't known to be needlessly complimentary. I stood in the room, trying to not fiddle with my hands. I had too much energy to sit still.
Finally - the door opened. Inoichi stepped into the room. His face told me nothing . I wanted to just burst, but I kept my composure as he made his way over to me.
Finally , he smiled, pulling out a rolled-up scroll and handing it to me.
"Congratulations, Walker Tami. You've met the requirements to reach Jounin." He said.
I nearly melted into a puddle on the floor.
I made it.
I made it.
Despite myself, I pulled him into a tight hug. I left the building, running to find my Love. I was rather sure he wouldn't be too pleased, but there was no one else I wanted to celebrate with.
X
Over the past few months, Maya had a lot to think about. At first, maybe she wanted to stay - the next, the idea of staying while knowing all she did seemed terrifying. But then - she started making friends. She had gotten to know Mio better. She was sweet and friendly. And Hana! And Hana was super kind, but a little bit of a gossip. Maya didn't mind. She was well meaning. Yua was weird , though. She was way too comfortable asking Maya strange questions about Tami - and Kakashi.
Speaking of her favorite character, he came by often enough when he wasn't gone on a mission. It was only when Tami was working, though. Otherwise he wasn't around. Teaching him English was a surreal experience. It was painfully easy to teach him. He was a prodigy for a reason, after all. Him and Tami - at least Maya guessed. To get to Chunin as fast as she had . And then she was after her Jounin rank. Maya would have preferred her friend to not get her rank. She'd even prefer it if they both just left. But then - the what-ifs would bother her.
What if Pain came and didn't revive everyone? Kakashi would remain dead . It would break Tami, Maya was sure of it. Or - or , worse still, Tami killed by Pain and Kakashi lost another . Maya was the only one who knew what would happen. She could prevent it. She could stop it. And yet ….
It was the what-ifs that plagued her. If she tried to change it all, they could all fail. It could end up worse, and it would be all her fault . Tami didn't know what she was or wasn't changing. She would never know. Maya - Maya would know. And yet -. Hayate defied the odds. Tsunade-sama said that he was planning on marrying Yugao in the spring. He apparently had bad allergies, but she loved the cherry blossoms and he couldn't deny her. It was - it was so cute .
And then the Anbu who visited. The Jackal often came by when she was home alone. He sat on the kitchen table, chattering about nothing at all . He wasn't even a side character , and yet-. There he was, his feet swinging as he talked about nothing in particular.
"You're more fun than Bun-chan was, eh? She always just went to the library . So boring, so boring Maya-chan! I nearly fell asleep. How can I be a good Anbu if I fall asleep? Then Owl would knock me on the head. It wasn't my fault that I got good naps in." He carried on.
Maya didn't know who Bun-chan was . She just knew he called her a Mouse. Maya mostly ignored him. He seemed to carry on more if he thought anyone found him funny. But she found herself fighting back giggles here and there. He was so silly!
"So why is Kakashi-san over so much, eh? It's so weird. He's weird, Maya-chan. Stay away from weirdos, okay? Owl too. He's even weirder ."
"Ohh… you know. Tsunade-sama asked him to check in on me." She told him dismissively. English didn't even exist there.
Tenzo- Bear would eventually show up. He was kind enough to knock on the window before letting himself in. He didn't scare Maya often, though she did wonder how long it sometimes took her to realize he was there. By Jackal's giggling, she assumed it was quite some time. Bear would climb in and say hello - and then immediately go to Jackal and quietly chastise him.
"I can't believe Tsunade-sama assigned you to me . It's like I'm babysitting a two-year-old!" Tenzo would complain in a hushed voice to not alert her. Maya did her best to pretend she didn't hear anything.
"But Bear-kuuun." Jackal whined. Tenzo would end up popping him in the back of the head while he thought Maya's back was turned and drag the unwilling Anbu agent out of the house. Maya shouldn't have found it funny. But she did. Tenzo hadn't been a favorite of hers. He was okay . One of those characters in the background that she didn't look at twice. But - now Maya wondered if she should have given him a little bit more thought before.
Among all of her new friends, Reina was among them. Junichiro had snapped at her one time and Reina came in like a flood out of nowhere . She yelled at him, scaring him off. Maya appreciated it and baked her a nice bread to pay it back. From then on - they'd been friends. It wasn't until Maya sat down at Reina's home that she learned more.
Reina was an Inuzuka with cats instead of dogs around her. The had a cute orange and white cat and a main coon. The orange cat settled on her lap while the Coon watched from the other end of the couch.
"What's their names?" Maya had asked.
"Akira is the main coon. I didn't name him, his previous owner did… Sushi-Shisui I named." Reina said with a small smile.
Shisui . Maya felt sick almost immediately. She tried to cover it but Reina caught on almost immediately. Tami always did say she emoted too much.
"So - you know. I should have guessed Hana would…." Reina murmured. She sighed and sunk into the couch. She continued to pet the cat on her lap.
"Was - were you guys close?" Maya asked. Shisui wasn't mentioned much beyond his connection to Itachi. She didn't know much about him at all .
"I.. I would like to think so. I was closer to Shisui than… than that other one. But - but when he was killed. I-. I took in his cat. And then I found my Sushi-Shisui and-. Well. The rest is history." Reina explained sadly.
"Killed?" Maya echoed. Reina scoffed and looked away.
"Killed. My - Shisui would never have…. But I never thought that one would kill anyone, let alone his family. Shisui maybe was just a test…" She said.
Maya swallowed and looked away. She knew the truth. Reina would never know. Ever . She was right in part. Itachi didn't kill Shisui. But Shisui, having been poisoned, took his own life to ensure Danzo wouldn't get his other eye. And he somehow managed to destroy his own body enough that not even Kabuto found him.
Maya sat there, processing it all. How many more Shisui's out there? Or Reina's, who were grieving still?
In the Anime-.
In Konoha, Maya didn't think she had it in her to know what could happen. She couldn't live with the what ifs. Not anymore. No more. Maybe she couldn't help Itachi. After all, he was so sure about what he was doing. What could Maya do? She couldn't dissuade him. But maybe she could help the others. Maybe Itachi was just the cost of things going well? Maya hated that thought. He was such a good cha-. H e was a good guy. He loved his brother. Maybe Maya could help where she could.
X
I celebrated when I finally met up with my Love. Uncle looked as pleased as a half-drowned house cat, but there was nothing I could truly do about it. I was staying. He wasn't passing barbs at Kakashi as much. And he didn't switch to English until after my Darling left for the night. We had a scheduled appointment with Tsunade the next morning. From the sound of it - we were going after Itachi very quickly. It seemed that I would be avoiding Ibiki for a time.
I hoped his opinion of me was wrong. I might not have been made for the battlefield - but I'd do well enough. I just had to make sure to be able to treat him like a coworker again instead of my love. That might be the challenge. The next morning came quick enough. Uncle gave me a big hug when I headed out to leave. He murmured to me, telling me to come back in one piece. I held him tight and soon enough broke away to leave.
I felt rather nervous as I headed over to meet up with the Hokage. My Darling fell into step with me as we went. He sent me a glance but neither of us said anything. The moment we stepped in, Tsunade had Shizune and I closed the windows and doors to talk. I nearly could feel my heart in my throat as I returned to my love's side. Tsunade looked at both of us, her hands on her hips as she took a moment to breathe.
"So. Has Tami been brought up to speed?" She asked, looking over at me.
"Not yet. I didn't have time to tell her." Kakashi said.
Well that didn't bode well .
"We've found that Danzo had connections with Orochimaru in the past. We don't know if they're still in communication, though." Shizune began. She continued softly, "We don't believe Itachi did the massacre on his own. There's a poison used in the Police Force building your Uncle found. We traced it back to Danzo. We suspect he was after the Uchiha kekkei."
Grand .
"I want you both to go after Itachi. See if you can get him to answer any questions. Maybe he's still loyal." Tsunade asked.
"And if he's not?" I asked. I rather doubted he would be. Sasuke was gone, what would he care if Konoha burned to the ground? After what he'd been through - I wondered.
"Drag him back here, throw him in a cell. I'm sure you learned some interrogation techniques from Ibiki during your career." Tsunade advised.
I rather hated that idea. Though it would be fitting for Itachi to be tortured for what he did to Sasuke, it still didn't sit right with me.
" Right now , Shizune and I have done the leg work. The Daimyo knows , and we'll be meeting with the clan heads while you're gone. The Elders haven't been made aware yet. They'd likely side with Danzo or alert him." Tsunade explained further. She nodded to Kakashi. "We can get him alone on creating ROOT behind the Hokage's back as well as continuing to operate but I'd like to get this done as well. It would mean that the other clan-heads would be less likely to be sympathetic to him."
"It would bring up concerns for the Hyuuga specifically," Kakashi agreed. It would indeed.
Ah , yes . Of course, they'd be concerned about it. Not only had an entire Clan been almost entirely wiped out, but it was by Konoha's own hand. Any clan would be concerned about it.
"Do you have a plan yet on how to handle Itachi?" She asked.
"We'll figure out the details," Kakashi said.
"I've one. We know he's not wanting to kill Sasuke. I don't think he'd miss an opportunity to see Sasuke in some fashion if he was nearby." I said. Interest sparked in Tsunade's eye. But I could see from my peripherals that Kakashi stiffened.
"And which of you would be disguised as Sasuke?" She asked.
"I will." Both Kakashi and I said at the same time. He shot me a look.
"You're not putting yourself in his line of sight. He could kill you. I worked with him. I know how Itachi thinks." Kakashi said firmly, sending me a dark scowl.
"My pretending to be Sasuke is one way to ensure he won't. We've already established he's not interested in killing his brother, and I've years of experience being around Sasuke. You had been his sensei for months . I know his quirks, his mannerisms, his unnoticeable characteristics." I carried on, sending him a dark look back, "I can read Itachi - and I can tear him apart. He won't want to fight once I'm done with him."
"You're still not strong enough. Just because you became a Jounin yesterday doesn't mean you can take on an S-tier missing-nin." Kakashi stressed.
Tsunade leaned back against her desk, a small smile playing on her lips. She crossed her arms as she watched us go back and forth. Shizune stepped over as well.
"I never said I could match him in battle." I countered, "I told you, years ago I can read people. I can read him, and get to the root cause of his behavior. I'll be going through some incredibly traumatic things. You think he'll want to fight after all of that?"
"You can't guarantee he'll talk to us after ," Kakashi replied.
"I'm rather sure he won't . But we'll at least get answers."
Tsunade tilted her head and grinned. She nodded over to me, "Show us what you got, Just-Tami ."
Grand . I never should have told her that.
I used a henge and in a poof - I transformed into the Sasuke I remembered; all attitude and cool ease. With my hands in my pockets, I leaned back just in the way he used to. I tilted my head to catch Kakashi's eye. He didn't seem pleased with me.
"I don't think it's good enough." He stated flatly and turned his head to look away.
Tsunade chuckled. She shook her head and looked at Shizune.
"What do you think?"
"We could test it - ask Sakura to come by." Shizune said.
"That's not necessary." Kakashi tried to insist.
"I don't want to upset my pupil from her studies. There is something missing. Our scouts say that Sasuke no longer looks like that." Tsunade said. She straightened and moved over to hand me a photo. Sasuke -. It was a touch blurry, out of focus even. I studied it quietly. And - changed the hedge to match.
"Good. I think this will be enough." Tsunade said, looking over at Kakashi, "Provide backup. We might be able to swing this to work out the best."
I saw Kakashi's hands curl slowly into fists. He nodded. We left, and I dropped the henge. My Love's shoulders were set - once again I could see the frustration between them. While I didn't feel great for being the cause of it, this was work. Not pleasure.
"You understand that I'm still your superior." He said once we were away from the building. I raised my eyebrows. Did he-?
"Forgive me, did I spill wine on the Diva?" I asked. What on earth was he doing? Where did that come from? I watched as anger flickered through the exposed part of his face.
"Just because you reached Jounin doesn't mean you don't have to listen to me." He said, "And it's not because I'm a diva. "
I crossed my arms, and moved in close to him. His fists were still balled up at his side.
"Do you truly think I'll disregard you?" I asked.
"You just did." He said, "You're putting yourself in danger."
"I am. And so are you !" I countered, "We're hunting down a known killer who could destroy either of us. I know posing as - as him will put me right in his sights, but it's the safest place to be ."
"You can't know that."
"He's had multiple chances to kill him . He won't." I hissed quietly. Why was he -. Ah. Of course. After all of the deaths he had seen, it had to be that. And Kabuto? Maybe he was just scared. "How are we going to work together if you're scared of history repeating itself?"
"Our last mission together, Tami. You were the focus. You almost-."
"You promised, " I said; he promised me we could forget that embarrassment of a mission! Why was he bringing it up now? What did it have to do with
"That was before we-." Kakashi stopped. He pulled back and looked around. It made me take stock of our surroundings too. The eyes of Konoha were on us. He took a moment and shot me a look. "Get your things. We leave in an hour."
I stepped away. He turned his back to go - sparing me one last glance. We'd - we'd have to talk about this later. I didn't want him to think I was being careless. We would be fine - we had worse arguments than this.
I went home and scoured my closet. I grabbed my back, pineapple slices, and trail mix. And - after an excruciatingly long moment, I grabbed that stupid flak jacket my Love was adamant I wore. I didn't think we'd be out for long . But leaving like we were with Owl sniffing around…. I made one last pitstop before going to stand at the gates for Hatake. The only one I trusted with this was Gai. My Uncle Oliver would outwit and push aside both Asuma and Kurenai. Asuma wouldn't have stayed around to be badgered by Uncle. Kurenai was too kind. The only one who would ignore my Uncle to do as I asked was Gai . Uncle would hate me for this - but I'd never forgive myself if Danzo decided to go after my Uncle while I was away to get at me. For all I knew? He suspected me. Maya was safe. Uncle -. Well .
I met up with Gai, and he gave me a yosh! And of course .
"I think it would be good for your Uncle to speak with Neiji," Gai said.
I shrugged, "I think so too. I'm rather sure Uncle will enjoy the company. He's a bit like Kakashi. Prickly sometimes, but I just need you to stick close until we get back."
Gai agreed under the condition he could bring Neiji over too. Uncle would hate me for this. But I needed him safe.
Kakashi found me some time after, his backpack on his back. He eyed the flak jacket I wore. I could see some of his stress ease in his arms. If wearing that crime against fashion meant my love would be more at ease, I'd suffer every second. We left Konoha in silence. The two of us racing side by side. Kakashi shot me a critical glance as we went.
"You're going to have to change how you run while disguised." He said.
"I'm aware of how to act," I said. His brow lowered - was he pouting?
I didn't have much time to evaluate it as he spoke up again.
"There's an old farm Itachi is said to frequent. It's not far from Konoha, downstream from the village. He goes there alone nearly twice a year. He should be there. Now." Kakashi said.
"Ah? Rather fitting showdown on a farm with a scarecrow and canary, don't you think?" I asked, humored beyond reason.
I saw just a small amount of amusement in my darlings' eye, but he made no comment. When we neared, we stopped at a safe place. I dropped my bag and slipped my pineapple slices in one of the many pockets I had. As I was mentally preparing for the role I'd play, Kakashi came up beside me and placed a hand on my arm.
"If this becomes too much, we're pulling out." He said softly.
"We'll be fine." I said. I had too much to prove. I had to show Kakashi I was capable, Uncle that I belonged there, and - myself that I could handle it. It wasn't a matter of choice. I had to win. I had to get to the bottom of Itachi's behavior and if he was still on good terms with Konoha.
I could see stress in him even though he gave me one of his patented eye-smiles. I'd do just what Kurenai accused me of - being too affectionate - but we were in the open. Maya warned me not to be so… so I stepped away and used the henge.
Our plot had begun.
Kakashi opted to stay in the shadows of the trees. I was to be in the open, striding those long purposeful strides only Sasuke seemed to manage. Having been around him so long, it felt strange being there poised as him. I recalled every twitch, every nose crinkle he'd send my way, every half smile and smirk that crossed his little face. He had a particular way he moved - over-confident but purposeful at the same time. He moved like an experienced showman. I felt it before I saw him. The air changed. Birds stopped singing, and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
"What are you doing here?" A dark voice asked. Itachi . Before I even knew it, he was beside me, winding up for a punch. I took a half-second too long as I reminded myself not to sink into a boxing stance. I cried out in that guttural way Sasuke managed, being knocked back. I rolled and pushed myself up. Don't look in his eyes. Don't do it .
"It's time." I growled, shifting to attack. Sasuke would head right in.
"Faster. But not enough, little brother. " Itachi snapped as he went to kick me. I moved out of the way, smirking at him as if I just told Naruto off.
"Fast enough for what , big brother?" I hissed. I chose something personal. Best to remind him of his familial failings. It was underhanded, and just a little unlike Sasuke - but if Sasuke knew? He'd flaunt it. My plan was simple. Make Itachi believe his plan failed. I would make him face the failures today. He'd hate me at the end of this , but maybe we could stop further tragedies.
Ah. I hit gold. His shoulders went stiff for a moment, the phrase nearly rippling through him. His gaze narrowed - I saw rage.
"You'll never be able to kill me ." Itachi came back. He moved in again, this time pulling out a kunai that looked… blunt? He was pulling his punches. I near felt insulted on Sasuke's behalf.
"Why kill you? Maybe I'll let you live with what you did to our mother ." I snapped, knocking the kunai away and elbowing him in the gut. Itachi grunted but didn't go down. "Let you live with the betrayal on her face. The disappointment in Father ."
Again - twisting that proverbial knife. He probably didn't sleep well, just like Kakashi struggled with. I bet he had nightmares often enough by the state of his eyes and pale face. Itachi nearly roared as he leaped forward. He was right where I wanted him, though my skills in taijutsu were stretched to their max. Him? He barely looked - no. No, no - he was winded. Already? Why? Then again, I rarely saw him fight. Maybe he had a limit Kakashi dealt with. Low chakra. I could exploit that .
"Shut up and fight me !" Itachi roared again. He came at me again but his moves were sloppy compared to the poise he usually had. I could hear it then - a wheeze. He was wheezing? Was he unhealthy? We had to finish this fast.
I moved in close - and whispered as I got close, "I know the truth, Itachi-nii-san."
Everything after that happened too fast. Itachi cried out again and went after me. I could see tears in his eyes. Kakashi practically appeared behind him, pinning Itachi on the snow with his arms behind his back. That blunt kunai stuck in my side, though I couldn't feel it. That vile stupid flak jacket stopped it. The illusion hadn't broken, so it looked like I had a kunai in my rib, probably hitting an organ.
Itachi was on the snow, struggling but not truly trying to get up. He instead looked up in panic, trying to see. I caught him squinting - was he trying to use that Mangekyou Sharingan ability? No - no - he was looking at the kunai. No blood was pooling and the realization must have hit him all at once. I wasn't Sasuke. His face fell and I dropped the henge, pulling out the kunai from my flak jacket. A sneer slowly crossed his face as he took me in.
"We know, Itachi," I murmured softly, bending down to his level. "We'd rather like it if you talked to us. It sounds like an old friend of yours is up to deviousness."
He glowered at me, trying to catch my eye again . I turned my head and Kakashi pressed his face into the ground. The anger in Itachi scared me a little. I bet he wanted to get even with me - kill me even.
"We're not here to hurt you," Kakashi added.
It took near fifteen minutes for the man to calm himself. The realization that his ploy hadn't been exposed to Sasuke, in addition to him not harming his brother - and the fact that I had just flagrantly used his personal pain to disarm him. He'd hate me - but maybe he'd still work with us.
"I found your journal, found someone who can translate the code." I continued. "What Danzo made you - made you and this Shisui go through is disgusting and monstrous. I'd like to bring him to justice, but with no witnesses willing to talk and him appearing as the upright council member - it makes it hard. We need you to come back. Make him face what he did to you."
Itachi remained quiet. He didn't move, he didn't speak. His eyes were closed as he breathed in slow and deep. I felt like an ass. The man had been forced to kill his family and I had just spent the last half hour waving it in his face.
"We get good anonymous tips throughout the years you left, Itachi-kun. Was that you?" Kakashi tried. Good attempt, but that wasn't the right angle. He was trying to be kind to the man, but Itachi wanted blood. I needed to get him focused on someone more than myself. The goal was Danzo.
"You can't tell me that pig-of-a-man wasn't pleased when you delivered the death of your clan. You can't tell me that you don't want him to pay for it." I said, "Were it I? I'd let him burn."
"Sasuke can't know." Itachi managed to get out and began to repeat it almost like a prayer. I saw the damp ground below him. I felt like scum for doing this. But what choice did we have? We needed to save Itachi, and Sasuke, and get Danzo six-feet-under as soon as possible. I felt like a hypocrite. I told Sasuke not to deal out biased justice but for Danzo? A man who had been forced to kill his entire family - I couldn't stand by.
I sent Kakashi a look, and he let Itachi sit up. The man slowly got up, sitting on the ground. Kakashi knelt by him, his gaze sad.
"We can see what we can do. We can try to honor your request." Kakashi said. I didn't quite like that - we had a way to save them all, but…. But Itachi wanted death by Sasuke's hand.
"I don't know how we'd be able to." I said, "Gossip spreads fast. A council member causing the murder of an entire clan? The Hens will be clucking."
Rage flickered in Itachi, his one hand clenched and the other dug into the ground. His shoulders were stiff, and he turned on me.
"You couldn't just leave it alone, could you? Sasuke never would have found out. Danzo will never overtake Tsunade-sama! My plan was perfect. " He snapped.
" Sasuke is smarter than you're taking him as. He'd figure it out. And the second he'd find out, you can be assured he'd want to burn down the village with him. You're all he has left!" I snapped back. I nearly wanted to strangle the man. Didn't he realize what he did to his brother? Didn't he realize what he was allowing Danzo to get away with? For what? None of them deserved death . A planned Coup? Maybe jail and sentencing. But not death .
"You know she's right, Itachi." A new voice said. Both my and Kakashi's gaze snapped up. A man stood before us. His hands were in his pockets, and a smile on his lips. Though I couldn't see his eyes. A rough bandana was wrapped around his head, and his hair looked like it had a mind of its own. He looked similar to Itachi and Sasuke. Was this another Uchiha? Had Itachi somehow saved another?
"Shisui." Kakashi murmured. My jaw dropped. A dead man walking among us. I hadn't expected that. Itachi didn't move. His head hung down low and his shoulders dropped.
"You should leave," Itachi advised.
"No - no, I think it's about time I returned to the village." Shisui said. "We can do both, can't we? Itachi keeps his secret and I can help against Danzo."
I glanced at Kakashi and down at Itachi's broken form. I didn't like it. Itachi would take the fall - again. I licked my lips and watched as Kakashi straightened.
"It would resolve the present issue." Kakashi said.
"Why don't I show you all inside." Shisui said.
I rather needed the time to pick my jaw up off of the floor. Shisui made his way back to his farm, each of us trailing behind him. Just as I thought, Itachi looked too emotionally exhausted. My stunt put him through the ringer. I didn't want to add to his grief but I couldn't say that I regretted it.
The farm looked almost abandoned - siding barely hanging on. The farm itself looked good - a ragged scarecrow sitting on the end of the field covered in fresh frost. I sent my love a grin and nudged his arm playfully. He gave me a maa for my efforts.
We all sat down on the aging wood of the patio. Itachi sat a distance away - probably trying to compose himself. So Kakashi and I turned our focus on Shisui.
"So - you're the Shisui?" I asked.
"I didn't know there was another one." He said, a small smile playing on his lips.
"And - your eyes are-"
"Tami-chan," Kakashi interrupted, sending me a look to not be so bold. Shisui laughed and leaned back on his hands.
"Yeah. Itachi has one, Danzo stole the other one. I don't know what he did with it, but I'm guessing he's using it." Shisui said.
"Probably behind his bandage. But what he did with the other eyes, I wonder." Kakashi murmured.
"As you know they don't last very long the more they're used. He might be trading them out. Or assigned to some of Root." Itachi murmured softly.
I hummed. This was a gross topic, but I didn't doubt it.
"If you return, Danzo will move . There's no way he'd just leave you be ." I added. Shisui nodded, sighing softly.
"You're right. I stayed away to protect Sasuke. I lost my memories for a few years but - after Itachi found me, it slowly began to come back." He explained, "If Danzo knew I lived, he would have sent his Root to kill me."
Kakashi and I shared a look. I nodded - this was more than enough. Itachi didn't need to leave his post. I didn't like it but it meant Danzo would be done.
"Fair enough," I murmured, looking to Kakashi.
"We can help you back to the village. We'll promise to keep Itachi's secret. What happens between Itachi and Sasuke is between them…. Right, Tami-chan?"
I breathed out slowly, I glanced over at Itachi who sent me a look I'm sure he wished he could kill me with.
"Of course," I murmured. I'd do my best to not mettle. I could only hope Sasuke would figure it out. Or maybe Itachi could have a change of heart.
It was time for us to go, Itachi looked quite done with the whole event. I couldn't help but go over to Itachi. He sent me another dark look before turning his face away. I carefully cleared my throat and looked out to the horizon.
"I'm rather sure my word doesn't mean much, but I'm sorry. Couldn't see a better way to avoid death and get rid of Danzo in one fell swoop." I murmured to him.
"Stay out of my business. And away from the Akatsuki. A few of them want you dead. I'm not sure where I stand on that matter." He said flatly before disappearing in a sea of crows. Fair enough.
And here I thought my Darling was a Diva.
With that - the three of us headed back to Konoha. Surprise of surprises, Shisui was able to keep up with us though we did have to help guide him.
X
They ran all night to get to Konoha. Shisui wished he could see the gates - the changes in the buildings and structures. But - he could go home. He was going home after years . That Tami-girl was a little too - in the Uchiha business for his tastes, but it was nice she was actually for them rather than against. He could smell it in the air when they got close.
Home .
Kakashi ushered them to meet with Tsunade and Shizune first. Both he and Tami explained what they had found - Shisui added what he could. Tsunade had insisted he be checked out at the hospital before he was released.
So he went in, going through the hoops requested of him. They had decided to play off the amnesia - though he had been told by Tsunade he could clue Danzo in if he visited.
Shisui was counting on it. In fact, he was sure half of the Anbu force was expecting it. Tsunade called it cleaning house . Shisui kind of liked her so far.
So there he was when he heard shuffling feet slowly making their way into his room. No one else was there.
"What a miracle." The aged voice of Danzo began. Shisui fought his urge to react as he sat there, "one last Uchiha who survived the massacre. What a gift the village has been presented with."
"Who is that?" Shisui asked weakly. He played up his bit. He was helpless and weary.
"Do you not remember me, little Shisui?" He asked. Shisui wanted to puke - really ?
"I don't remember anything. I washed up on a farm years ago… I never would have thought I was from a clan ." Shisui said, leaning back against the bed.
"You helped me so often for the betterment of the village." Danzo replied. The betterment. He just wanted to better himself, hiding behind the Village.
"Oh… that's nice. I'm glad." Shisui said. He could hear feet running to his room. Shisui couldn't say who it was, but someone was coming. It was the perfect time to cue Danzo in.
"You know… I think I recall something, Danso-san. Are you upset the poison you used didn't work?" He asked pointedly. He heard the gasp from Danzo, him hitting something in the room and - the door swung open.
"Shisui!" A woman cried out. She sounded familiar. There were still some gaps in his memories, but - that voice sounded like a dream.
"Hello." He said cheerfully while Danzo fled from the room.
Now . Now it was time. Danzo would be getting just what he deserved.
End Chapter
AN: /