Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
A Retrospective Study
This is a way to look backward and find meaning in events we can no longer witness. In research, being able to be retrospective is particularly useful when wanting to examine events that would be impossible to recreate. Whether that be due to; cost, ethics, a case study, natural phenomenon, or how long you are trying to look back. Although, in a true retrospective study, the effects of the hypothesis tend to be something we are witnessing in the present. For example, if there is an increase in the rate of premature births, one might retrospectively look through histories to see if the mothers were not taking prenatal vitamins. Or if there was a specific environmental stressor present at the time of these births. From there, conclusions could be drawn.
Fighting a yawn, I sat at my desk in T&I. Papers and files spread out in front of me. A red pencil rested in my hand. You see, the process of interrogation didn't start during the interview. That was more like the final nail in a coffin. To pull answers from someone, you needed to know what to ask. You needed to know when you were being lied to. And that meant research.
"Anything?" Shinobu asked as he walked into the main office; his box of toys held between his hands. With the help of the Anbu, he'd been debriefed on the situation once Kabuto was secure in interrogation room three. The one with a two-way mirror. That way the Anbu could watch as we worked. Just in case they were needed.
"Yeah", I answered without looking up; circling a few things from an old progress report from the academy. "The timeline doesn't add up. This says Kabuto entered the village as Nonou Yakushi's son when he was eight. But the first paperwork for the academy isn't dated until two years after that when he would've been ten". Which couldn't be true because, at ten, a newcomer would be considered too old to start at the academy. There just wasn't enough time for them to catch up with the curriculum. And chakra had to be unlocked by a certain age. Otherwise, it would eventually become unobtainable. Very similar to the time period for language acquisition. Still not looking up, I handed Shinobu the paper I was working on. "Also, a lot of those reports were signed off by Mizuki. Which isn't only suspicious but-"
"Means they were forged after the fact", Shinobu followed my line of thinking. Mizuki wasn't that much older than Kabuto. If there was any truth in Kabuto's paper trail, Mizuki wouldn't have been teaching at the alleged time Kabuto attended. When Shinobu took the paper from me, I started searching for something else I thought we could use.
"Do you think if we asked some of the old academy teachers if they remembered him, we could prove Kabuto never attended?" I asked as I dug through my papers until I found the file on Nonou Yakushi.
"Maybe", Shinobu humored me. Though his mind was elsewhere as he took in everything I marked in red. "However; this is classified. The academy teachers would have to be cleared before we could talk to them".
With that seed planted, I opened the folder to reveal an older personnel photo of one Nonou Yakushi. "There's this too", I said to make Shinobu look at what I wanted him to. "Nonou Yakushi was in the medical corps for the majority of her career before she went MIA. When she wasn't on a mission, she helped run an orphanage a little ways outside of the village; getting specialized leave to do so. Look at the dates", I prompted.
As Shinobu read over my shoulder, I tried to think of other things I could let slip. It was a daunting task. Only Kabuto and Orochimaru were on the radar right now. And laying down the groundwork to hint at a third major player felt like poking a sleeping bear. Not only did it feel stupid to add that asshole into the mixture when Kabuto and Orochimaru were already enough to contend with, but there'd be too much of a connection. The one with the initial suspicions about Kabuto was me. The one who 'discovered' Mizuki's loyalty to Orochimaru was me. If I brought up a third person who also had ties to Orochimaru, that would be creating a pattern. It may even lead to questions I shouldn't be able to answer. Meaning, I needed others to uncover these secrets and take all the credit.
"Nonou was listed as MIA before Kabuto was adopted", Shinobu summarized; reaching the same conclusion I had when establishing a timeline. "What is her current status?"
"Still MIA", I answered; wracking my brain. What else could I bring up? "But presumed dead. I can't find anything more about that". Since it was never investigated. "Her glasses, the ones she's wearing in the photo", I said when I couldn't think of anything else substantial enough to mention. "They look like the same ones Kabuto has". Finally, I peered up at Shinobu. His eyes were sharp with concentration. "Possible pressure point?"
"Perhaps", Shinobu said as he poured over the information one last time. When he finished, Shinobu's eyes bore into me. "It's a good start. Especially with the short turnaround. You'll be assisting me during this interrogation".
"What?" I asked before I could help myself; half rising out of my chair.
Shinobu kept going as if I hadn't said anything. "I want you to take notes. Follow my lead. And we'll debrief afterward".
This time, I stood fully. "Is this smart?" I asked as my mind raced. I had no problem doing the legwork. Especially since I had an idea of where to look. But to actually be a part of the interrogation… "Aren't I like, compromised or something? Since I interacted with him during the exams? And I've been working for six days straight. Come on, Shinobu. I'm a mess".
It wasn't a lie. Everyone in our department was working overtime at this point; Shinobu running day-to-day affairs here while Ibiki and Anko handled the exams. I was the grunt stuck running errands with other minor roles to fulfill. But once Orochimaru made himself known, everything increased. Shifts were rearranged, and security was upped. And that's without calculating all the work that went in before the exams started. The problem with my argument was that we were all in the same boat.
As someone who doesn't emote, Shinobu made a surprising exception. With a knowing smile briefly gracing his face, Shinobu showed me the little amount of patience he possessed. As if this guy knew anything about what goes on in my head. "You were the one to report him", Shinobu explained. "This is your investigation". I felt my face go blank. Shinobu made this sound like a reward. "You may not be ready to be lead interrogator in a case of this caliber, but that does not mean you shouldn't get to see this through the end".
All of this was said so encouragingly, I kind of wanted to accuse Shinobu of already starting the interrogation. This was less than ideal. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck in a small room with Kabuto. Especially since this may lead to an association between my face and his detainment. It wouldn't be a difficult jump to make. I work for T&I. Kabuto was brought in because of the security risk his information cards posed. He showed me those cards before the first exam. Case and point, this is all my fault.
Reading my less-than-pleased stare, Shinobu tried a different tactic, "No need to be afraid. I'll be with you the entire time".
Disgust caused me to scoff. "That's not-"
Patience spent, Shinobu returned to his stern self and interrupted before I could finish. "Let's go", he ordered; turning away. "We will use routine B on this one".
Grumbling, I grabbed a notepad and a pen and followed. When Ibiki sent me back to T&I to make sure Shinobu was fully knowledgeable about the situation, I thought I dodged a bullet. Being here meant I didn't have to sit through the preliminaries; twiddling my thumbs and trying to act surprised as the matches played out. Now, I wished things had played out differently.
I got a good look at Kabuto as I entered the interrogation room behind Shinobu. His hands were chained to the table in front of him; a chakra suppression cuff on each wrist. Additional restraints also prevented him from lifting his arms off the armrests. I didn't have to look under the table to know there would be shackles too. He looked like someone just coming from the exams; dirt on his face and clothes, small cuts on his person. Despite this, Kabuto sat with relaxed shoulders and an approachable smile on his face as he stared straight ahead at the two-way mirror; his glasses glinting in the fluorescent light. So creepy.
In the role of the underling, I got to carry all Shinobu's stuff as well as mine. It was the type of hierarchical structure I viewed as pointless. But in routine B, it was purposeful. "Kabuto Yakushi, right?" Shinobu spoke casually as he double-checked the name on the file he held. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I needed a second before we could begin and was waiting for someone more experienced".
Without looking up as I set Shinobu's toy box down on our side of the table, I felt Shinobu's disdainful stare. Playing my part, I rolled my eyes and scowled. For routine B to work, Kabuto needed to believe that Shinobu and I despised each other.
Sighing as if it couldn't be helped, Shinobu moved on. "But with the chunin exams, our department is cut thin. The department's genin was the only person available". Sitting down, I left the lid alone on Shinobu's box of toys. A mysterious box in a precarious situation was an excellent way to build anticipation. Instead, I readied my writing pad; making my movements sharp rather than fluid. As if I wanted this done as fast as possible because Shinobu was just that awful.
"I can imagine", Kabuto answered empathetically; keeping his demeanor as a friendly guy whom you might exchange words with on the streets. "The chunin exams are a crazy time for everyone involved". Kabuto sent a pitying look in my direction. It wasn't missed. Part of routine B was figuring out as soon as possible who the subject would try to align themselves to. Though it would seem Kabuto hadn't made up his mind yet.
Shinobu remained standing as I dated the first page on the notepad. Allowing him to stand over Kabuto and me was a nonverbal and slightly subconscious way for him to establish authority. Boredly, Shinobu flicked through the pages in his folder with a certain amount of slump in his spine.
"So, what am I in for?" Kabuto asked after a moment. He sounded as if this were just a routine check-up at the doctor's. "It was surprising to be nabbed by Anbu right after quitting the exam. I didn't think giving up was a crime".
I scribbled down a few more notes; holding my pencil harshly as Shinobu chuckled and agreed. "It's overkill, but there has to be follow-through when someone is reported for suspicious behavior". The disbelieving look Kabuto displayed was truly impressive. "I know", Shinobu responded with a shrug. "But when one of our own reports somebody, we have to look into it. Even if it is just busy work". Shinobu made sure to stare me down as he gave Kabuto someone to blame.
This time, I raised my head and glared back. "I know what I saw", I said defensively.
Shinobu's poised and baiting eyebrow contrasted with Kabuto's concerned expression. "Did I do something during the exams?" He asked. "Except when we were supposed to, I didn't cheat". He was looking at me as he said this. Shinobu was too; exuberating annoyance.
"It was your cards", I answered; letting all the dislike I felt for Kabuto freely show. "The ones you showed all the rookies before the written exam. How did you get that information? What do you use it for?"
Kabuto's shoulders relaxed; relieved. "Is that what this is about?" He breathed. "I was worried it was something serious". His eyes glanced up to Shinobu who nodded in approval.
"It is serious", I seethed as Shinobu lowered himself into his chair.
Shinobu scoffed as he set the folder in front of him. With the toy box between us, I could no longer see it. "If it was, someone other than a rookie would have discovered it". I bristled as Shinobu continued. "This is why genin shouldn't be apprenticed to departments. They just don't know what they're talking about".
"I get it", Kabuto said, solely looking at Shinobu; making his choice. Good.
"So, let's see these cards", Shinobu suggested. "And maybe this can be cleared up before I miss dinner". That last part he made sure to direct at me.
"No problem", Kabuto agreed amicably. "They're in my right pocket. Could one of you…"
Shinobu was out of his chair before Kabuto could finish asking. Professionalism made Shinobu efficient as he retrieved the deck of cards; orange on one side and blank on the other. Clicking his tongue, Shinobu dropped the entire deck onto the tabletop before returning to his chair. Causing some of the cards to spill across the polished surface. "There's nothing on them", he complained.
"He used chakra to reveal what's on the cards", I said. Kabuto smiled innocently.
"I can show you", he offered. "But I'd need to access my chakra and at least one free hand to do so".
Fat chance of that, I thought in my head; making sure my face was readable. Meanwhile, Shinobu appeared to consider it. "I can do it", I said before a decision could be made. "I saw him do it in the exams".
Snorting, Shinobu waved a hand at me. "Go ahead then". Kabuto continued to smile innocently.
Picking the closest card, I slid it until it was centered in front of me. Forming the same one-handed sign Kabuto had used, I placed one finger on the blank side of the card. With my chakra building and funneling through my finger, it began to spin. And spin. And spin. A small puff of smoke and then…
"Pathetic", Shinobu said with a huff.
Nostrils flaring, forehead wrinkled I withdrew my hand. "Don't worry about it", Kabuto said; smiling innocently. "Those cards are designed so only my chakra can unlock them. I'd be happy to show them to you. If it'll help to clear my name". He shifted his hands so we'd know what he was suggesting.
"I'm afraid that'll have to wait". Shinobu said as I slumped against the backrest of my chair; defeated. "Protocol dictates that we have to follow procedure before losing the restraints". Shinobu sneered in my direction as I picked up my pencil once more.
"I understand", Kabuto assured him; smiling innocently.
"Looking through your file, you moved to Konoha when you were eight", Shinobu read.
"That's correct. I'd just been adopted, you see".
"But you didn't start at the academy until you were ten. What did you do for the two years before that?"
A small twitch in Kabuto's temple. An otherwise minuscule crack in his perfect façade. Shinobu made sure not to notice it. I was too cowed to write it down. "Ah, I see the confusion", Kabuto recovered. "There wasn't a gap. I started at the academy as soon as I got here. Might just be an error in the paperwork".
Shinobu hummed as if he found that likely. "You must have been a talented kid". He complimented. "Since those born outside the village are rarely allowed to become shinobi".
Kabuto blushed. It made me wonder how one can do that on command. Was it as difficult as crying? "Ah, well… I wouldn't say that. My adopted mother was a doctor. She taught me some medical jutsu that helped me stand out at the academy".
Quirking his lips, Shinobu nodded. "That would do it".
Ever the sore loser, I snorted. "He needed to stand out after failing the graduation exam three times".
Letting out an embarrassed laugh, Kabuto closed his eyes. Probably so we couldn't read any emotions in them. "Like you can talk", Shinobu said to me. "You weren't good enough to join a team. And now, I'm stuck with you".
Shinobu and I wasted a moment by glaring daggers at each other. Giving Kabuto time to either reassure himself we were too caught up in our own problems to effectively catch him in a lie or bask in the feeling that we knew more than he originally suspected. As the underling, I broke first and returned to frowning unhappily at my notepad.
"Your mother was Nonou Yakushi, right?" Shinobu moved on.
"Yes", Kabuto confirmed. "She used to work at the orphanage where she found me. We had a common interest in medicine, so she adopted me to give me the chance to learn". By elaborating on his own accord, Kabuto took the ability to ask away from us.
"She was in the medical corps before retiring", Shinobu read from the folder. "What is she doing these days?"
Kabuto's face was tense. Unfortunately, it was appropriate for his answer. "She's no longer with us, I'm afraid. Killed in action".
Shinobu hummed, only expressing mild interest. "She's not listed as dead".
"I guess technically, she's considered as missing in action", Kabuto corrected.
"But you think she's dead?" I spoke up; circling something with my pencil.
The look Kabuto gave me was one that suggested I should keep my mouth shut. Shinobu smiled in appreciation. "My mother went missing so long ago, it's hard to believe anything else". He bowed his head to stare at his chained hands.
Shinobu shuffled some papers to allow Kabuto a moment to console himself. Nonou Yakushi was reported MIA before Kabuto's alleged academy enrollment and adoption. While unclear, I'm assuming this was when she started working for Root. And when Orochimaru poached Kabuto from Danzo, he, or someone on the inside, created these fake documents so Kabuto could spy for him, I'm guessing he didn't read the paperwork already in existence before adding to it.
"Did you kill her?" I blurted out. Inwardly cringing when Kabuto's head snapped up; eyes wide and swimming in genuine emotion. Ugh, I was playing with fire.
"You brat", Shinobu exclaimed as reached around to smack me on the back of my head. "You can't go around making baseless accusations like that!"
As if in actual pain, my hands flew up to rub and protect the back of my head. "It's too convenient", I argued; voice raising in volume. "None of the dates match up in his or her paperwork. From what we know, she went missing before he joined the academy. What if she wouldn't vouch for him because he was an outsider? Outsiders don't go to the academy", I reminded them; talking louder and louder as if that would stop Shinobu from interrupting me as he very much looked like he wanted to. "What if he killed her so he could go? Maybe he forged his enrollment himself".
Shinobu threw his hands up into the air before turning bodily towards me. "What if? What if?" he mocked. "What have we told you about 'what if' questions? There is no value behind them while questioning someone. Anything can be the answer to a 'what if'! Why, I have half a mind-" Cutting himself off, Shinobu took a deep breath. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head before turning back to Kabuto completely; freezing me out. "I apologize for that. Leave it to a genin to make a lot out of nothing. And when there's so much going on with the exams and the intruder-" Shinobu sighed.
"It's okay", Kabuto said with only a slight pause. If he was shaken, he hid it beautifully. Crossing my arms, I pouted and stared at my lap. "I bet everyone is feeling stressed knowing Orochimaru is in the village".
I lost my pout. Shinobu stopped appearing irate. Both our eyes locked in on Kabuto. The moment he realized he'd screwed up Kabuto's face warped in alarm; making him appear younger. Though it didn't last. "We never mentioned the intruder was Orochimaru", Shinobu said as Kabuto formed a new expression. This one consisted of; a menacing smile, a tense jaw, and narrowed eyes. "I think we can drop the act now, don't you?"
Shinobu snapped his fingers at me. I'd been in enough interrogations with him to know what that meant. Standing; I took the lid off the box. Feeling Kabuto's eyes on me, I tried not to react as I pulled one item out at a time. The finger popper. A new pack of senbon. Rubbing alcohol. A hammer. Pliers. Throughout the process, Shinobu didn't say a word; letting Kabuto focus on each item as I pulled them out and laid them on the table in front of him.
Except, I never felt his eyes leave my person. "You're an interesting one", he snarled as killing intent flooded the room. It was potent and so sudden that I found myself reacting. My knees quaked and my chest heaved as it forgot how to draw air. I had to catch myself by grabbing onto the edge of the table; stomach churning. Even Zabuza's killing intent hadn't felt this lethal.
But it ended when Shinobu clasped his hand onto my shoulder. A pulse of chakra flooded my system and helped my body grab a hold of itself. "Yes, she is", Shinobu agreed with Kabuto; sounding wholly unaffected. "We've trained her well. Speaking of training, I'd like to revisit yours". And then to me, "Rion, go start on the official report. It'll be a while before we're done here. And I don't want to keep the Hokage waiting".
Nodding stiffly, I removed myself to do just that. The door to interrogation room three closed on the sight of Shinobu picking up the pliers.