Chapter 13: The Threat

PLEASE READ: Hi all, sorry for not updating anymore. The workload at work has almost tripled, so I have been working 16 hours instead of the usual 8.5 that is expected, and we are still struggling to catch up. We managed to come up with a new system that might save up some hours of work, though, so I may be updating more frequently in the coming months.

Thank you for your patience, and now…on with the story:

HP/KH/IU

When Hadrian woke the next morning, he almost expected to see Kisame hanging about the room to try and give him another scare, but his magic told him that it was just him and Itachi left in the house.

It took him a moment to realize that Itachi's energy signature was coming from the kitchen instead of the bedroom, though, so he quickly grabbed a shower and finished his morning routine before he made his way there.

A part of him was worried that there was something wrong, but with the way the man's energy signature seemed to be moving about, it was more likely that the man was making himself something to eat.

Hadrian stepped into the kitchen slowly since he didn't really feel like dodging whatever blades might come his way if he were to startle the man, only to pause in the doorway as he took in the sight before him.

Itachi must have gotten up quite early because his hair still seemed to be a bit wet from a shower he'd taken, and he was currently putting the finishing touches on what seemed to be a traditional breakfast that Hadrian had come to enjoy during his time in Konoha.

The man moved around the table, seemingly unaware of his presence, and Hadrian felt his mouth go dry as he finally noticed that the man was wearing one of Hadrian's larger shirts and a pair of black jeans that Hadrian had hidden somewhere in the back of his cupboard after he'd noticed how much it made him stand out in Konoha.

He'd be damned if he didn't admit that the man looked really sexy, especially with the way the shirt seemed to ride up a bit as the other man pushed a few dishes away to make room for the one he had in his other hand and the knowing smirk that seemed to be hovering around his lips as he watched Hadrian from the corner of his eye...wait what?!

Hadrian's eyes snapped back to Itachi's face, and the man straightened up before crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back against the table, thesame knowing smirk still in place as Hadrian tried to ignore the way that his shirt strained over Itachi's form, easily revealing the results from years of training.

It was the strange look in his eyes that caught and held Hadrian's attention, though, since the man somehow managed to look…hungry, slightly uncertain and reserved all at once.

He opened his mouth to speak, but they were interrupted by the sound of rapid knocks on the door before it burst open, and Hadrian almost moved to freeze the figure even as Itachi moved in front of him to shield him, kunai in hand, and Hadrian finally noticed the pack that the shinobi still carried at his hip.

Everything happened in mere seconds as he turned his attention back to the one that had barged in, only to immediately stand down as he recognised Gaara.

The kid seemed to be in a state of panic, and Hadrian quickly moved around Itachi, who seemingly recognised the boy who had been hanging out with his kid brother for the past few days because he didn't try to stop him.

Hadrian bent down on one knee, frowning at the bewildered, lost look in the kid's eyes as he seemed to try to tell him something, but the words came out broken, and Hadrian abruptly noticed that the kid was having some kind of panic attack.

He jumped up and grabbed one of the medi-bags he kept in the kitchen, drawing out one of the calming draughts and giving one to Gaara, who didn't even hesitate to swallow it down despite his evident mistrust toward people in general.

It made Hadrian worry even more because it meant the message was important enough for Gaara to ignore the risk of getting poisoned or incapacitated, even though he already knew that Hadrian could sedate him without even using a potion.

He took a few calming breaths before he turned his gaze to Hadrian…fear clear on his face…but it took a moment for Hadrian to realise that it was fear for someone else, and his heart nearly seized, "What happened, Gaara? Is it Naruto and Sasuke?"

Those were the only two that Gaara was close enough to cause such a reaction, except for his siblings. And if they were in danger, Kakashi and the rest of the group would possibly be in danger as well. The fear in his gaze deepened as he nodded, "I used m-my sand…w-was trying to listen in on an update t-t-to know if they're ok. T-t-the squad was attacked!"

For a few moments, Hadrian felt numb, but then he felt a fury building inside him, and he fought to keep his grip gentle as he held Gaara's shoulders even as he heard an angry growl coming from behind him, "Did you hear who it was?"

The boy's eyes widened, but then he seemed to steel himself as he noticed that their fury wasn't aimed at him, "T-the letter mentioned that one of the attackers had m-mentioned the name Madara, b-but then the Hokage swore and placed a seal so that no one can listen in and my sand was destroyed."

Hadrian heard Itachi swear loudly, and he turned to him, "You know the guy?"

Itachi shook his head, frowning, "I don't know him, but I know of him. It shouldn't be possible unless another person is acting like they are him. Madara Uchiha was born around 120 years ago; I'm sure I would have known if he were still alive."

Hadrian bit back the urge to say that nothing was impossible, given his own 'interactions' with death, but there wasn't time. Whether the culprit was this Madara or not, they still needed to answer for attacking and potentially injuring those he cared about. Death would have warned him if one under Hadrian's protection approached his domain, so he knew they were still alive for the moment.

He looked Gaara straight in the eye as he spoke, "They are fine for now. Don't ask me how I know since I wouldn't be able to fully explain, but we will get them back. I swear that to you."

Gaara's expression was hesitant at first, but then he nodded in determination, "I'm coming with!"

Hadrian was about to say no, but then he realised that someone could easily attack Gaara while they weren't in Konoha, so he reluctantly agreed, seeing the surprised expression on Gaara and Itachi's faces.

However, the man didn't question him, and Hadrian was immensely grateful for not having to reveal Gaara's secret.

He quickly scrawled out a letter for the Hokage before giving it to Hedwig, who flew in as soon as she heard the crinkle of paper before nipping him on the ear for not introducing her properly as she critically eyed Itachi before flying over and giving him THE EYE before leaving.

Itachi looked at him in confusion, and Hadrian shrugged, "She practically raised me after I turned eleven, and she is my familiar; she is bound to keep a close eye on whoever I associate with, and it seems you passed."

He didn't mention what Hedwig did to the people she thought were a danger to Hadrian…or an irritation…Hadrian flinched; yep, better not tell Itachi any of that.

He looked at Gaara, "You need to inform your siblings before we go. I don't want to be charged for kidnapping or anything like that."

Gaara seemed to startle for a moment, and Hadrian found himself wanting to kill Gaara's father for causing his own son such pain, but then he forced himself to calm down as he explained, "They would worry if I simply take you away."

Gaara nodded before disappearing in a swirl of sand, reappearing moments later with a determined expression, "They weren't happy about it, but they understood. They said they trust you to keep me safe since they cannot leave Konoha at the moment without making everyone suspicious."

Hadrian nodded as he started gathering a few supplies that they would need, only keeping a medium-sized pack visible before going to his room and packing a few larger things in a bag that he'd charmed with an extension charm before shrinking it again and adding it to his necklace like a second charm next to his shrunken trunk.

He returned to the kitchen to find that Gaara and Itachi were already fully dressed in their gear, though Itachi was wearing his old Jonin outfit to blend in, and he inwardly smiled as he once again compared the similarities and differences between jutsu and magic as he packed in the breakfast for them. There was no way he was just going to have it go to waste!

They were about to head out when there was a knock on the door that immediately put them on guard, especially Itachi, as the old man's voice sounded through the door, "Leaving the village without permission will cause many problems, and questions will be asked. You will find your mission scroll with Asuma and his team once you meet up just outside the village. They will be your team for this mission. Good luck and return safely…all of you."

It seemed as if the man had only intended on leaving them with that message because he was gone the next moment, and Hadrian found himself glancing at Itachi, who looked quite shocked at the fact that the man was obviously including him when he stated that 'all' of them should return safely.

Though the shock only lasted a few moments before Itachi steeled his expression and met his gaze, "Let's go."

Hadrian could only nod before they were off.