Categories > Anime/Manga > Naruto > Village Hidden in the Wind
A/N: Thank you for the great comment Psychotic_Female_Ninja for the great review and the link, I had posted it there so just wait for it to show up, I think it shows up in 24 hours after I post it if not then I will try again. It still ahs the same title.
And now on to the next chapter.
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Chapter 1 Mission
(Eight years later)
The sun was high and Konohoa was quiet, or at least not as quiet as it should be in Tsunade's opinion. Sitting in her chair looking out the window, she really wished she was in the village in some bar drinking sake and relaxing rather than sitting in a stuffy office waiting for a few shinobi to arrive.
"Tsunade-sama!" A harsh voice behind her called alerting the bored Kunoichi to Shizune's presence. "You haven't even looked at these mission reports, they'll just keep piling up. So get back to work. We're all working ourselves silly and you just stare out the window." From this outburst Shizune was obviously upset about something.
"What is it Shizune?" Tsunade said turning in her chair only regretting it once she did.
"What is it? I'll tell you what is it, these mission reports is what is it, you're falling behind." Shizune was definitely mad about this and it showed as her shoulders were heaving with each breath.
"Uhh?" Tsunade was confused; she had just finished a whole pile five minutes ago. But looking closer at her desk she now saw there were now twice as many as before. Just about face planting on her desk Tsunade let out a heavy groan when a knock sounded at her door, momentarily releasing her from Shizune's ranting.
"Hokage-sama, you called for me?" A tall silver haired shinobi asked as he poked his head into the room.
Pouting for a moment Tsunade couldn't help but retort. "You're two hours late Hatake!" At this Shizune couldn't help but giggle.
Looking up for a moment the jounin looked surprised "So I am...Well it's because...well... you see there was this..."
"I don't want to hear it." Tsunade snapped cutting the one eyed man off. She was really getting frustrated with Kakashi for his tardiness, but all the jounin seem to have little quirks like that. "I have a mission for you."
"Hmmm? What kind of mission?" Tsunade couldn't help but feel her eyes grow large in surprise and anger.
"Would it matter to you what kind of mission it is?" Tsundae hadn't heard this one before. But it was getting frustrating, already. Since Sasuke's disappearance he had been spending most of his time doing S ranked missions and it still surprised her that he was still able to come up with jokes, jibes and even insults to throw at her.
Does this man ever grow tired of these little mind games?
"Not really, just curious I guess." Kakashi shrugged as though the question meant nothing.
"Fine then." She wasn't too sure if she liked that response too much, he was just too unpredictable. "First I will have to call those who are coming with you." Tsunade couldn't help but feel a laugh developing in her throat as she watched the jounin look utterly confused as he quirked an eyebrow...the only noticeable eyebrow.
So even Sharingan Kakashi can be put off guard. But even her mussing was torn apart by his next answer.
"Oh okay then, I guess I would have to wait then." And with that he pulled out his book, notable not a very appropriate book, and leaned against a nearby wall to read it.
Sighing and growling inwardly, Tsundae turned to Shizune. "Can you call the others?"
"Hn" confirmed Shizune as she turned quickly and left the room with a bow.
Tsundae didn't want to give this mission out but she had no choice, not only will it strip her village of a few of her best shinobi but it will be difficult to ward off any battles if there were any to come up. The genin were just going to have to take up more dangerous missions while they were gone, but it was worth it.
------
Ten minutes passed when a sold knock was heard from the door. Looking up Kakashi couldn't help but wonder who it was.
"Hokage-sama you called us?" To his surprise it was Genma and Raidou.
Why them? Weren't they in the hospital not to long ago, shouldn't they still be recovering? He thought as he raised a silver eyebrow.
"Yes please come in, you'll have to be patient though we're still waiting for one more person." The Hokage seemed exhausted he mused as he watched her from over his book and then glanced quickly to the other two men.
From the looks on their faces they were very confused and concerned. He could hardly stop himself from chuckling at their faces. Although he didn't know Raidou as well as he knew Genma. He knew they were both very talented jounin, they just never let anyone see them as such.
Genma always seemed to be bored as he chewed on the senbon in his mouth, probably to lessen the tension he was currently feeling. Kakashi wasn't to sure if he would ever trust himself if he put that in his mouth, it was to risky to accidentally cut one's tongue off or worse to choke on it. It wasn't to surprising that the jounin relaxed once Tsunade had told him they were waiting for someone. He was older than Kakashi and had Kakashi not been a genius he would have been more experienced. Although they were friends, Kakashi had only been on a few missions with the sandy haired man and he had to admit he had a lot of skill.
Raidou on the other had been a pain in the ass as far as Kakashi was concerned. He was always following the rules and always so courteous. He felt the man had a fear of those in authority and knew it the second the scarred man looked in his direction and quickly flinched when he noticed he was being watched.
Kakashi just smiled and turned back to his book. They were all too boring at the moment, and right now even his book was more entertaining.
-----
Ten minutes passed before the final and least expected person came into the room, a little flustered though.
"Sorry I'm late Hokage-sama," Iruka said rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously.
Almost on instinct Kakashi spoke up. "Did some of your students lock you in a closet again?"
The scarred sensei just froze with a flinch for a moment and glared at Kakashi with total annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hmmm..I guess they didn't" Kakashi finished his teasing mostly due to the death glare he was receiving from the Hokage, and that was enough to tell him to stop while he was ahead.
Hmmm this is getting interesting, what could she possible want with a chuunin on this mission, and a chuunin sensei at that. Kakashi thought as he looked up from his book and quietly put it back in its pouch.
Iruka wasn't always his favorite person in the village, actually he wasn't too sure if he liked the man or not. All he knew was it was a lot of fun to watch him squirm with every jibe he throws at him. Iruka was very sentimental and often quick to anger, especially when it has something to do with Naruto. If Iruka was really coming with them on this mission it could be more interesting.
"It's alright Iruka-sensei, we all know how busy you are. Now back to this mission." Tsunade had become animated as soon as the chuunin had come in.
Was there something so special about Iruka that she would react that way? Kakashi thought.
-----
"As you all have known the village of Konohoa is in grave danger of attack. We are low in numbers and our enemies know it." She paused.
We're so low on people, I have to do this to Iruka and I really don't want to. Tsunade had promised the young chuunin that she would not force him to move up in rank but she had no choice in this matter.
Clearing her throat Tsunade stood up. "I have a very important mission that I need you all the cooperate together to complete. I believe that it will take at least all four of you, but that may change as the mission goes on. So by saying so I want you to remember that if reinforcements are needed that you do so without hesitation.
Slowly she scrutinized the faces of the four shinobi in front of her. Genma and Raidou didn't look as worried as when they first came in but more confused.
I doubt I'll be getting much trouble from those two. She smiled to herself. Genma and Raidou worked perfectly as a team and usually listened to her orders without question.
Iruka though looked as though he was about to faint. His features were pale and strained. She knew by choosing him for this mission she might have lost all trust he had in her but what choice did she have? It was either have him expose his true ranking in front of these four or lose the chance of gaining an advantage over their enemies and fall to an attack.
He'll obey, but I'll have to make a strong argument, it's bad enough he's worried about Naruto going off with Yamato to find Saskue. But she knew she made the right choice.
However there was one person she was worried most about and he was the most smug and there was only a second before he was about to make things worse.
"If I may be so bold to say, wouldn't it be unwise to pull all four of us out of Konohoa for such a mission? Isn't it true that we need as many people to defend Konohoa as we can?"
Tsunade's smile faded. Always count on Kakashi to be the smart ass. She sneered.
"Yes that is true but if you succeed in completing this mission Konohoa's vulnerability may not be an issue much longer."
Kakashi's eye narrowed. I knew he would do this to me; he's going to make the others doubt me at this rate. Tsunade shuddered with anger.
"Hmmm in that case if this mission were so dangerous why not assign a Jounin instead of a chuunin in this team. I doubt Iruka-sensei can handle a mission like this; at least that is how this sounds to me. He'd more use to us here a the academy."
Iruka suddenly turned around to face the jounin who had spoken up with a look of shock. "Duhh I..." From the look on his face Tsunade realized Iruka was somewhat surprised and offended. This would not bode well.
-----
"Is there something you wanted to say?" Kakashi asked Iruka smiling.
"I didn't say I couldn't did I, what if I can, you don't know my abilities." Iruka was desperately trying to keep his temper but through clenched teeth he wasn't managing all to well.
Who does he think he is trying to keep me out of this! I'm perfectly capable of doing a simple mission, it's not like any of my missions aren't dangerous, and most of them are. Iruka was really offended and still he was clenching his teeth with a fake smile etched across his face.
"Well to tell you the truth I don't know your abilities but I do know it has been a while since you went on a mission last, and I also know you've been spending most of your time teaching your students. I hardly doubt they would qualify as a dangerous mission."
Where does he get off with this? Not only the chuunin exam but also now this. This guy is insufferable, he irritates me.
"W...WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" Iruka spat now completely losing his control. "I'll tell you its not easy to keep track of twenty children training to become ninja while a few always try to escape. Seriously you know nothing about me or what I really do." Iruka was now inching closer to the jounin looking rather murderous.
He thinks he can just come here and talk about me like he knows me personally. He may be Naruto's sensei but I will not let him walk on me.
"It seems I had offended you, I did not intend to offend Iruka-sensei. I just felt it would be more efficient to replace you with someone with more field experience and skill."
That's it he's dead
Suddenly Iruka seemed to become someone else entirely, almost scary. "DON'T EVEN ASSUME HOW SUITED I AM BEFORE YOU EVEN KNOW THE MISSION!" He yelled as he leaned menacingly close to the silver jounin who was slowly backing up to keep a safe distance from the irate man.
-----
Deciding it was becoming too dangerous for Kakashi, Genma interrupted Iruka with a nervous request. "Iruka-sensei has a point, exactly what is this mission?"
Hearing this Tsundae smiled. Now Iruka had calmed down and was staring at Genma with a bewildered look on his face while holding a very confused jounin by the collar.
Haaaaa...Peace...thank you Genma-san for interrupting him. As much as I want to see Iruka pummel Kakashi to a pulp for this, I would rather he not harm him just yet.
Picking up a piece of paper Tsunade held it up for all to see. "Your mission is to find this man."
"Huh?" Raidou spoke for the first time with a bewildered look on his face. "That's it, just to find him?"
"Yeah not kill him?" Genma asked now looking more bored as the senbon in his mouth sank with what seemed to be disappointment.
Smiling Tsunade nodded. "Yes, I want you to find him and convince him to return to Konohoa along with his ANBU teams."
Kakashi looked as though he was about to say something but Iruka cut him off.
"Is that all?" He was almost laughing. "Kakashi-sensei, you were obviously overreacting. This is a very simple mission, even a school teacher can do this." He sneered.
No don't Iruka Tsunade sighed to herself, this was going to get out of hand, she was really starting to wonder if this was a bad idea putting the two together.
"Oh on the contrary Iruka-sensei, I believe there is a catch to this mission if it would take all four of us to complete." Kakashi grinned obviously rubbing in the fact.
Iruka though looked intently at Tsunade.
"Well to tell you the truth there is." Tsunade decided it would be best to get serious. Iruka's smile sank.
"May I?" Genma asked as he held his hand out for the page.
"Hn." Tsunade handed him the paper.
----
Genma had first come in thinking it was something he had done wrong during the last mission, or maybe his report was wrong, for being called to the Hokage's office. His assumptions had changed the minute he saw Kakashi there as well. Although he was perplexed as to how the Hokage had managed to get him to come on time as well as first. She probably tricked him or something.
Once Iruka came in though he was confused yet again. He didn't like being confused. There was no need to call a chuunin as busy as Iruka-sensei into a meeting like this, unless it was something dire and there wasn't enough able-bodied jounin around. Which he knew there were a few, so something was up.
Now that he heard some of the details though he was still in the dark, he knew there was something she wasn't telling them, and why Iruka?
Holding the page Genma started with surprise.
I...I...I know this guy but from where?
The photo he was holding was an old one. Since the man in the photo seemed too young in his opinion to be of importance, then again Kakashi was very gifted at a young age, so he didn't let his assumption take hold just yet.
Hmm... a chuunin flack jacket...from the looks of this he was sixteen when he passed or so.
Looking closer he saw that the boy in the photo had similar hair to Iruka only much longer. His facial features were average for a boy at that age, including the slight acne and few freckles glazing his cheeks. But his eyes seemed to glimmer much like a certain bubbly genin he had the opportunity to watch during the chuunin exam.
"I'm not sure but he's familiar." Genma sighed.
Very familiar but I just can't place him.
"Really you think so?" Tsunade now seemed very interested. "Why don't you let Iruka-sensei see it."
Genma looked up confused.
Why would it matter if he sees it?
"Sure." Genma nodded slowly and handed the sheet over to Iruka.
-----
Grabbing the sheet Iruka froze the second he saw the face.
N...N...No No it can't be he's dead, I'm sure of it. The reports...the 3rd himself told me he died instantly, no body was found...so how?
Gulping deeply Iruka found it difficult to find his voice. "H...How?" He whispered at first. Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
"How is he still alive when I was told by everyone that he was dead." Iruka was now on the verge of hysteria. "I don't get it, was I lied to? Or was there a reason?" This he asked Tsunade personally.
"To be honest Iruka-sensei there isn't much I can tell you about the circumstances for his disappearance but I can assure you that he is very much alive."
"But how do you know then?"
Tsunade laughed. "Well I was looking through some files and I came across a file that was contradictory." Smiling she went on, "On the file it was stamped deceased but bolted to the page was details of an S-class mission. I won't tell you the nature of the mission since I cannot fully comprehend it myself at this point but I do know he is currently in command of a group of ANBU working secretly outside Fire Country."
I still don't get it. How can he abandon me like that, we were a team.
Something was wrong the day before I knew that but I thought it was a phase, no wonder he was acting so odd. Kaji's behavior now fits.
Kakashi stepped forward, now with a serious air about him. "If that's the case then are they with us or are they a rouge group?"
"From what I can gather, and trust me it's limited. These ANBU are very specialized and are working separately and secretly from any villages I know of. But that does not mean there is another hidden village we don't know about. I have never once found any missions where any of our operatives had been killed by these ANBU but I believe there is a note made by the third himself about an incident eight years ago."
-----
(Flashback)
"Hokage-sama you called for me." A younger Kakashi bowed.
"Yes Please sit Kakashi-kun" An older man with now graying hairs stood facing the large window. "I wanted to ask you about the mission report you handed in."
"What about it?"
"The ANBU captain of your team wants you to rewrite it." The third turned to face Kakashi with a grave look on his face. "He's told me before about your habit of lying. Am I right that you use excuses when late?"
"Uhh well. No!" Kakashi could feel annoyance well up from within but decided not to give in to it and instead he crossed his arms and leaned back.
"Ha ha ha nice try, I've heard a few of them don't you forget that." The third was now smiling. "Tell me Kakashi is it because of Obito that you have been late so often and use excuses."
"No Hokage-sama I... sometimes I am late for a... reason." Kakashi had been annoyed that he had dragged Obito into this when the boy wasn't even around anymore to defend himself.
"Hmm it seems then I was wrong" But deep down he knew it was true that since Obito's death Kakashi had taken on quite a few of his former teammate's habits. "But tell me about that mission. Why is it the captain wants you to rewrite it, do you even know why?"
Kakashi looked up to the man inform of him. His frail frame haloed with sunlight. "Because he thinks I made the ANBU that saved me up."
"Hmmm and what do you have to say about it, is it one of your excuses?"
"I don't see why I would make that up Hokage-sama!" Kakashi now stood up anger lacing his features, he couldn't hold it anymore. "I was trapped in a genjutsu, if they hadn't killed the shinobi from Mist and caused a distraction for the caster I would have most likely been captured or killed and Konohoa would have been in danger of being destroyed."
"Looks to me like you believe it actually happened, but in your report you said he could not have been an ANBU from Konohoa, and yet his armor was similar."
"He wasn't, his mask...I've never seen one like it, it was weird and I didn't like it." Kakashi was still noticeably upset. "Are you questioning me because you don't believe me?"
"Now why would you think that." The old man smiled again. Kakashi grunted in surprise as Sarutobi leaned over the desk and whispered something he wasn't expecting. "To tell you the truth I do believe you, and as our little secret you are right he is not from our village but rather an ally outside fire country with unimaginable skill and ability. I believe you yourself witnessed that."
Kakashi just stood in the same spot body rigid and surprise still etched on his masked face.
"Calm down Kakashi-kun" The Hokage laughed. "There is no need to be so defensive. What I want you to do though is to keep this quite, Konohoa cannot afford to lose it's most precious protector. If they find out there will be a most ruthless man hunt."
"Yes Hokage-sama" Kakashi swallowed.
"Good now I understand you have a mission to prepare for?"
"Yes, thank you Hokage-sama." Bowing low Kakashi turned to leave.
"Remember it stays between us, no one is to know."
"Yes." Kakashi affirmed as he stepped out the door, still really confused.
Kakashi just stood on the spot completely frozen.
------
Raidou was left still completely confused. What's with everyone? It's just a simple mission?
"Uh? Hokage-sama...I understand that we have to find him, but why would it take four people and people as skilled as we are?"
Tsunade looked up with a very stern look written on her face. "These ANBU are trained much like our own but because I am unsure of their movements I will be splitting you four into two groups. One group will have to track their movements outside their village. The other group will go to their village and gather information. If this man is there then I want you to confront him, but my guess is he is out in the field."
"But that would mean we're splitting up and weakening our team?" Iruka asked. "What if we were ambushed?"
"Well you're just going to have to avoid that. There is nothing I can do about that. By splitting you up the chances of finding the target are far greater."
Raidou sighed. This was going to be a very odd mission. Not only will they be split up but also from what he was gathering they will not be able to communicate, making the mission the more dangerous.
-----
Iruka looked back down at the picture. He was now more anxious to get the mission over with, the sooner the better, and the sooner he can see his old friend.
"Iruka-sensei and Raidou I want you two to track the ANBU teams outside the village." Tsunade interrupted his thoughts causing him to jump.
"Do not intercept them while they are on mission, I do not know how they will react to you if you do. I recommend you observe them first, is that understood?"
"Yes Hokage-sama." Iruka answered stiffly.
"Chances are he will not let them slaughter you if you are caught but it's been a few years so I want you to exercise extreme caution."
"Hn!" Iruka nodded. He just really wanted out of the stuffy office.
Looking to his left he saw Raidou pale a shade whiter and let out a shaky sigh. Iruka knew they'd be fine but Raidou wouldn't know that, he'd have to talk to him before they leave and explain a bit more about the target.
"Genma, Kakashi, you two go to the village. Gather all the information you can and I want no horsing around is that understood." With that comment Tsunade glared at Genma.
"WHAT!" Genma asked rather surprised. "Do you think that low of me?"
"No not yet but the rumors say otherwise." Tsunade narrowed her eyes more. "I would trust Kakashi more with this mission than you so he's the leader of the second team. Iruka since you know more about the man we're after I want you to take the lead."
Iruka nodded obediently and made a shaky smile at the jounin next to him.
Kakashi you made a mistake in underestimating me soon you'll see how skilled I can be.
Although Iruka was normally mild mannered it really agitated him when Kakashi made a fool of him in front of all his peers.
------
Sighing Tsunade regarded both groups. "Team one will be Iruka's, I want you to leave early at dawn. Kakashi your team will leave soon after noon. It will be easier to remain inconspicuous when you leave separately so please stick to those guidelines. Unfortunately the photo you have to go by is old and right now he should be about the age of 26. Another thing if your search is bringing up nothing it may be useful to know he carries the surname of Akahoshi; this may aid you in your search. But I would advise you to be careful when using that name."
By hearing that name she noticed Kakashi's features become more rigid as he made a sharp intake of breath.
Looks like he knows about them, I guess I should have known he would. He may be an annoying brat, but he's the biggest snoop in the village.
"Alright you are all dismissed...oh Iruka-sensei I need to talk to you for a minute." The mild mannered chuunin froze instantly.
Tsunade suddenly frowned as she watched the others leave.
And now down to the nitty gritty, he's going to hate me for this I can feel it.
-----
Frozen in the spot Iruka stared straight at the wall. Still in mid stride he couldn't even force his feet to turn.
"Iruka-kun please sit. You'll need to."
A sigh shuddered through the chuunin's body as he willed himself to move woodenly.
"Yes." Slowly he lowered himself into the chair as though extremely tired. "Is there something I can do?"
"Not quite, first I want to know how you're feeling."
Iruka froze and sat straight.
Feel? How else should I feel?
"Well to be honest I'm surprised. I didn't know he was still alive but I guess now that I think about it the reports were a bit sketchy, but I wish I had realized that then and not now, it may have saved me from the pain and grief."
"Hmm yes but from what I can understand the third had his reason's for assigning the mission."
"What about his sister?" Iruka muttered. "Did you find anything on her?"
Tsunade froze. "Sister?"
She doesn't even know they were twins? Iruka stared.
"Yes he was on my genin team, he always talked about his sister. From what I could recall she was a very skilled shinobi." But as he said this, his mood became darker and his shoulders seemed to sag.
I doubt either of them would even recognize me anymore, its been ten or so years since I've seen them both.
"Yes I saw that in the genin records but the girl, I didn't realize he had a sister?"
"Yes, they were twins."
Now it was Tsunade's turn to look shell-shocked. "What was her name?"
"..." Iruka muttered something even lower than before but it came out more as incomprehensible babble. "I can't tell you." He said as he looked to the floor.
Damn she's digging for information. I can't tell her the girl's name, no way I promised not to.
------
Tsunade knew that instant that the chuunin in front of her was holding something back from her but she would have to make this conversation go in her favor or else she'd have to scare the information out of the docile man seated before her.
It sounds like he was very fond of the girl. If only I found out where she came from, or where she was trained.
"Tell me Iruka-sensei, how old was this girl when she became a genin, do you know?"
Iruka's brown eyes flared for a minute. "Why would that matter? We're looking for her brother."
Oppps looks like he's not going to give me the information that easily I'm going to have to get him to tell me through a more sneaky method.
"Sometimes it may help you to remember enough about the other person by learning about the people they spend the most time with, you know that better than anyone."
Sighing Iruka bent his head and glared under his eyelids. "So you think by getting this information can help you find Kaji?"
Gattcha...All I needed was his true name. I was missing that. All I had to go on was Akahoshi, and people wouldn't respond too well to that if strangers were asking about that name.
"I'm sorry Iruka-kun I didn't mean to offend."
"No No it's my fault, I've been a little edgy lately." Iruka sighed now leaning back in the chair and assuming what looked like a more relaxed posture. However Tsunade could see a vein on the side of the man's neck pulsing madly.
"Please we need to know what village they came from. I know it's a lot to ask but, if we're going to have this mission work out I need to send Kakashi-san and Genma-san in the right direction."
I might as well take a straightforward route here, it looked as though he were about to have another nervous break down, and I can't afford that not yet.
------
Once Tsunade had started to ask about the girl Iruka had decided to be defensive.
I promised her I wouldn't give her away, or her village. I just want Tsunade-sama to stop questioning me about them, this is hard enough.
"Please Iruka-sensei. This is in the best interest of the mission and the safety of the teams."
Iruka looked at her with a look of what? Disgust, no not quite, more anger but disgust wasn't too close behind.
"No!" The man said in a flat tone. "I won't"
"WHY THE HELL NOT!" Tsunade growled, now showing the real Tsunade. The woman who would drag Naruto by the collar up a flight of stairs screaming just as loudly as the young man was. The same woman could make the elite Kakashi flinch. But one person who wasn't going to flinch was Iruka.
Heh after being Naruto's teacher for so long this is nothing she almost behaves the same way.
"Look I said no, so can I please go home, there's no point in getting the information from me now...I promised them I wouldn't divulge that information to anyone."
"Iruka-sensei please tell me." Tsunade was now breathing heavily, obviously holding back her anger as best she could.
Iruka just glared back. "I'm not doing this because I don't trust you I'm doing this because it was a promise I intend to keep. You're just going to have to find it on your own. I'm sure Kakashi-sensei is soo skilled he can probably find the village days before I could."
"Are you doing this because of a grudge..."
"NO!" Iruka now stood up.
"DON'T YELL AT ME SHINOBI." Tsunade screamed back now making Iruka shy back.
"Forgive me Hokage-sama I did not intend for my feelings to come out like that." He said with a bow.
Actually I did, and it felt good, but I don't want to see her do that again.
"Fine, keep your silly promise but one more thing before you go." Tsunade sighed as she plunked herself down into her seat.
"What is it?" Iruka now looked confused.
"I want you to go on this mission as a hunter"
"...." Everything when blank.
-----
"Iruka-sensei, are you all right? I told you to sit earlier." Tsunade smiled.
I knew he'd do this.
Slowly Tsunade watched as the young chuunin suddenly fell into the chair again but this time with a look of death written across his face.
"Iruka-sensei." Tsunade said this now a bit louder.
"Uhhh....What?" He looked as though what she had just told him was forgotten.
"I said I want you to go as a hunter."
"But....But I can't do that." Iruka's temper was now coming back to him. "You know I'm supposed to have that identity hidden. No one is supposed to know."
"Yes but things change and these circumstances are not the norm."
"I understand, but that's dangerous how would I explain that I'm not...me" Iruka seemed to have trouble explaining this. If someone found the identity they could be killed just for knowing that piece of information. There are a few who would be allowed to know, but the chances were very slim he could easily fool Raidou. The man was older and more experienced, you don't just go around fooling the older jounin, it usually came out as a mess.
He seems to know the consequences well enough, but so does Raidou. That's why I put him with Iruka-sensei.
"I know about how things here work but Raidou is as safe a bet as any to keep your secret. Trust him."
"What about the others? Genma-san knows but Kakashi-sensei...I don't think I want him to know."
"Don't worry I'm sure Genma-san will keep him busy. I bet those two will probably wind up more lost or in more trouble than even Naruto could. Iruka-sensei I wasn't expecting you to tell me about the village, but I must remind you Kakashi-san is no fool. He'll find it.
"I know that's what worries me."
"Oh?"
"Uhh...oh it's nothing sorry talking to myself." Iruka laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his neck.
Sighing Tsunde placed her head in her hands. "Please Iruka-san I need you to cooperate, if you don't this mission may fall apart."
------
Iruka was surprised; she wanted him, the academy teacher to assume his hidden identity. The one he had hid from the whole village. If word spread he would have no students and be cast out like Naruto had. He didn't want to go through that now.
Hunters weren't very appreciated. They were the hidden members in the ANBU. At times you can't even distinguish the two but in battle it was easy to see. Iruka was skilled, actually one of the best. Being a prankster in his past was a perfect ability for the job but right now things were looking deadly for the chuunin. If Kakashi found out he was sure the entire village would know.
Now he sat staring at the fifth Hokage as she leaned forward and placed her face in her hands, obviously exhausted.
He didn't mean to give her a hard time, but he had made promises in his past that he was going to keep.
No one is to know about that village, I won't be the one to lead it to its destruction. Kakashi finding it is scary enough.
Sighing Iruka stood. "Hokage-sama,"
Tsunade looked up.
"I must apologize for my behavior I will go as a hunter and I will bring Kaji back to Konohoa, but please keep my identity hidden from Kakashi-san I have a feeling that he could cause me some trouble." Iruka was being as truthful as he could. Not only will the jounin he was concerned about possibly blow his cover but also Iruka wanted to avoid taking the man's life. It was the last thing he wanted to do.
"Not a problem I will be sure to make sure he leaves you alone." Tsunade now picked up a scroll and wrote a few lines and grabbed another and did the same.
Now what is she up to? I can't help but feel she's up to something.
"Iruka-sensei, one more thing before you go. I will need you to give these to Genma and Kakashi, will you do that?"
"Uhhh?" Iruka couldn't help but feel annoyed and his expression showed it. With a wrinkled nose and narrowed eyes he couldn't help but ask. "What are they about?"
"HOW DARE YOU ASK ME THAT!"
Flinching Iruka took two steps back.
She can be very scary...
------
Sighing Tsunade looked at the shinobi before her in the eye. "Give these to them and do not question me again, it that understood. You've caused me enough grief. You're almost as bad as Kakashi-san."
Gulping Iruka grabbed the scrolls and turned to leave. But stopped as Tsunade addressed him once more.
"Please trust me Iruka-sensei, I am doing this for you and the village."
Flinching Iruka sighed. "I know Hokage-sama. I just can't help but feel a little scared." He admitted slowly trying to make his point clear. No matter how much he assured himself he hated doing his missions as a hunter.
"Thank you Iruka-san and good luck." With that the mild manner chunnin shakily left the office.
TBC...
please review
And now on to the next chapter.
--------------
Chapter 1 Mission
(Eight years later)
The sun was high and Konohoa was quiet, or at least not as quiet as it should be in Tsunade's opinion. Sitting in her chair looking out the window, she really wished she was in the village in some bar drinking sake and relaxing rather than sitting in a stuffy office waiting for a few shinobi to arrive.
"Tsunade-sama!" A harsh voice behind her called alerting the bored Kunoichi to Shizune's presence. "You haven't even looked at these mission reports, they'll just keep piling up. So get back to work. We're all working ourselves silly and you just stare out the window." From this outburst Shizune was obviously upset about something.
"What is it Shizune?" Tsunade said turning in her chair only regretting it once she did.
"What is it? I'll tell you what is it, these mission reports is what is it, you're falling behind." Shizune was definitely mad about this and it showed as her shoulders were heaving with each breath.
"Uhh?" Tsunade was confused; she had just finished a whole pile five minutes ago. But looking closer at her desk she now saw there were now twice as many as before. Just about face planting on her desk Tsunade let out a heavy groan when a knock sounded at her door, momentarily releasing her from Shizune's ranting.
"Hokage-sama, you called for me?" A tall silver haired shinobi asked as he poked his head into the room.
Pouting for a moment Tsunade couldn't help but retort. "You're two hours late Hatake!" At this Shizune couldn't help but giggle.
Looking up for a moment the jounin looked surprised "So I am...Well it's because...well... you see there was this..."
"I don't want to hear it." Tsunade snapped cutting the one eyed man off. She was really getting frustrated with Kakashi for his tardiness, but all the jounin seem to have little quirks like that. "I have a mission for you."
"Hmmm? What kind of mission?" Tsunade couldn't help but feel her eyes grow large in surprise and anger.
"Would it matter to you what kind of mission it is?" Tsundae hadn't heard this one before. But it was getting frustrating, already. Since Sasuke's disappearance he had been spending most of his time doing S ranked missions and it still surprised her that he was still able to come up with jokes, jibes and even insults to throw at her.
Does this man ever grow tired of these little mind games?
"Not really, just curious I guess." Kakashi shrugged as though the question meant nothing.
"Fine then." She wasn't too sure if she liked that response too much, he was just too unpredictable. "First I will have to call those who are coming with you." Tsunade couldn't help but feel a laugh developing in her throat as she watched the jounin look utterly confused as he quirked an eyebrow...the only noticeable eyebrow.
So even Sharingan Kakashi can be put off guard. But even her mussing was torn apart by his next answer.
"Oh okay then, I guess I would have to wait then." And with that he pulled out his book, notable not a very appropriate book, and leaned against a nearby wall to read it.
Sighing and growling inwardly, Tsundae turned to Shizune. "Can you call the others?"
"Hn" confirmed Shizune as she turned quickly and left the room with a bow.
Tsundae didn't want to give this mission out but she had no choice, not only will it strip her village of a few of her best shinobi but it will be difficult to ward off any battles if there were any to come up. The genin were just going to have to take up more dangerous missions while they were gone, but it was worth it.
------
Ten minutes passed when a sold knock was heard from the door. Looking up Kakashi couldn't help but wonder who it was.
"Hokage-sama you called us?" To his surprise it was Genma and Raidou.
Why them? Weren't they in the hospital not to long ago, shouldn't they still be recovering? He thought as he raised a silver eyebrow.
"Yes please come in, you'll have to be patient though we're still waiting for one more person." The Hokage seemed exhausted he mused as he watched her from over his book and then glanced quickly to the other two men.
From the looks on their faces they were very confused and concerned. He could hardly stop himself from chuckling at their faces. Although he didn't know Raidou as well as he knew Genma. He knew they were both very talented jounin, they just never let anyone see them as such.
Genma always seemed to be bored as he chewed on the senbon in his mouth, probably to lessen the tension he was currently feeling. Kakashi wasn't to sure if he would ever trust himself if he put that in his mouth, it was to risky to accidentally cut one's tongue off or worse to choke on it. It wasn't to surprising that the jounin relaxed once Tsunade had told him they were waiting for someone. He was older than Kakashi and had Kakashi not been a genius he would have been more experienced. Although they were friends, Kakashi had only been on a few missions with the sandy haired man and he had to admit he had a lot of skill.
Raidou on the other had been a pain in the ass as far as Kakashi was concerned. He was always following the rules and always so courteous. He felt the man had a fear of those in authority and knew it the second the scarred man looked in his direction and quickly flinched when he noticed he was being watched.
Kakashi just smiled and turned back to his book. They were all too boring at the moment, and right now even his book was more entertaining.
-----
Ten minutes passed before the final and least expected person came into the room, a little flustered though.
"Sorry I'm late Hokage-sama," Iruka said rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously.
Almost on instinct Kakashi spoke up. "Did some of your students lock you in a closet again?"
The scarred sensei just froze with a flinch for a moment and glared at Kakashi with total annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Hmmm..I guess they didn't" Kakashi finished his teasing mostly due to the death glare he was receiving from the Hokage, and that was enough to tell him to stop while he was ahead.
Hmmm this is getting interesting, what could she possible want with a chuunin on this mission, and a chuunin sensei at that. Kakashi thought as he looked up from his book and quietly put it back in its pouch.
Iruka wasn't always his favorite person in the village, actually he wasn't too sure if he liked the man or not. All he knew was it was a lot of fun to watch him squirm with every jibe he throws at him. Iruka was very sentimental and often quick to anger, especially when it has something to do with Naruto. If Iruka was really coming with them on this mission it could be more interesting.
"It's alright Iruka-sensei, we all know how busy you are. Now back to this mission." Tsunade had become animated as soon as the chuunin had come in.
Was there something so special about Iruka that she would react that way? Kakashi thought.
-----
"As you all have known the village of Konohoa is in grave danger of attack. We are low in numbers and our enemies know it." She paused.
We're so low on people, I have to do this to Iruka and I really don't want to. Tsunade had promised the young chuunin that she would not force him to move up in rank but she had no choice in this matter.
Clearing her throat Tsunade stood up. "I have a very important mission that I need you all the cooperate together to complete. I believe that it will take at least all four of you, but that may change as the mission goes on. So by saying so I want you to remember that if reinforcements are needed that you do so without hesitation.
Slowly she scrutinized the faces of the four shinobi in front of her. Genma and Raidou didn't look as worried as when they first came in but more confused.
I doubt I'll be getting much trouble from those two. She smiled to herself. Genma and Raidou worked perfectly as a team and usually listened to her orders without question.
Iruka though looked as though he was about to faint. His features were pale and strained. She knew by choosing him for this mission she might have lost all trust he had in her but what choice did she have? It was either have him expose his true ranking in front of these four or lose the chance of gaining an advantage over their enemies and fall to an attack.
He'll obey, but I'll have to make a strong argument, it's bad enough he's worried about Naruto going off with Yamato to find Saskue. But she knew she made the right choice.
However there was one person she was worried most about and he was the most smug and there was only a second before he was about to make things worse.
"If I may be so bold to say, wouldn't it be unwise to pull all four of us out of Konohoa for such a mission? Isn't it true that we need as many people to defend Konohoa as we can?"
Tsunade's smile faded. Always count on Kakashi to be the smart ass. She sneered.
"Yes that is true but if you succeed in completing this mission Konohoa's vulnerability may not be an issue much longer."
Kakashi's eye narrowed. I knew he would do this to me; he's going to make the others doubt me at this rate. Tsunade shuddered with anger.
"Hmmm in that case if this mission were so dangerous why not assign a Jounin instead of a chuunin in this team. I doubt Iruka-sensei can handle a mission like this; at least that is how this sounds to me. He'd more use to us here a the academy."
Iruka suddenly turned around to face the jounin who had spoken up with a look of shock. "Duhh I..." From the look on his face Tsunade realized Iruka was somewhat surprised and offended. This would not bode well.
-----
"Is there something you wanted to say?" Kakashi asked Iruka smiling.
"I didn't say I couldn't did I, what if I can, you don't know my abilities." Iruka was desperately trying to keep his temper but through clenched teeth he wasn't managing all to well.
Who does he think he is trying to keep me out of this! I'm perfectly capable of doing a simple mission, it's not like any of my missions aren't dangerous, and most of them are. Iruka was really offended and still he was clenching his teeth with a fake smile etched across his face.
"Well to tell you the truth I don't know your abilities but I do know it has been a while since you went on a mission last, and I also know you've been spending most of your time teaching your students. I hardly doubt they would qualify as a dangerous mission."
Where does he get off with this? Not only the chuunin exam but also now this. This guy is insufferable, he irritates me.
"W...WHAT DO YOU KNOW?" Iruka spat now completely losing his control. "I'll tell you its not easy to keep track of twenty children training to become ninja while a few always try to escape. Seriously you know nothing about me or what I really do." Iruka was now inching closer to the jounin looking rather murderous.
He thinks he can just come here and talk about me like he knows me personally. He may be Naruto's sensei but I will not let him walk on me.
"It seems I had offended you, I did not intend to offend Iruka-sensei. I just felt it would be more efficient to replace you with someone with more field experience and skill."
That's it he's dead
Suddenly Iruka seemed to become someone else entirely, almost scary. "DON'T EVEN ASSUME HOW SUITED I AM BEFORE YOU EVEN KNOW THE MISSION!" He yelled as he leaned menacingly close to the silver jounin who was slowly backing up to keep a safe distance from the irate man.
-----
Deciding it was becoming too dangerous for Kakashi, Genma interrupted Iruka with a nervous request. "Iruka-sensei has a point, exactly what is this mission?"
Hearing this Tsundae smiled. Now Iruka had calmed down and was staring at Genma with a bewildered look on his face while holding a very confused jounin by the collar.
Haaaaa...Peace...thank you Genma-san for interrupting him. As much as I want to see Iruka pummel Kakashi to a pulp for this, I would rather he not harm him just yet.
Picking up a piece of paper Tsunade held it up for all to see. "Your mission is to find this man."
"Huh?" Raidou spoke for the first time with a bewildered look on his face. "That's it, just to find him?"
"Yeah not kill him?" Genma asked now looking more bored as the senbon in his mouth sank with what seemed to be disappointment.
Smiling Tsunade nodded. "Yes, I want you to find him and convince him to return to Konohoa along with his ANBU teams."
Kakashi looked as though he was about to say something but Iruka cut him off.
"Is that all?" He was almost laughing. "Kakashi-sensei, you were obviously overreacting. This is a very simple mission, even a school teacher can do this." He sneered.
No don't Iruka Tsunade sighed to herself, this was going to get out of hand, she was really starting to wonder if this was a bad idea putting the two together.
"Oh on the contrary Iruka-sensei, I believe there is a catch to this mission if it would take all four of us to complete." Kakashi grinned obviously rubbing in the fact.
Iruka though looked intently at Tsunade.
"Well to tell you the truth there is." Tsunade decided it would be best to get serious. Iruka's smile sank.
"May I?" Genma asked as he held his hand out for the page.
"Hn." Tsunade handed him the paper.
----
Genma had first come in thinking it was something he had done wrong during the last mission, or maybe his report was wrong, for being called to the Hokage's office. His assumptions had changed the minute he saw Kakashi there as well. Although he was perplexed as to how the Hokage had managed to get him to come on time as well as first. She probably tricked him or something.
Once Iruka came in though he was confused yet again. He didn't like being confused. There was no need to call a chuunin as busy as Iruka-sensei into a meeting like this, unless it was something dire and there wasn't enough able-bodied jounin around. Which he knew there were a few, so something was up.
Now that he heard some of the details though he was still in the dark, he knew there was something she wasn't telling them, and why Iruka?
Holding the page Genma started with surprise.
I...I...I know this guy but from where?
The photo he was holding was an old one. Since the man in the photo seemed too young in his opinion to be of importance, then again Kakashi was very gifted at a young age, so he didn't let his assumption take hold just yet.
Hmm... a chuunin flack jacket...from the looks of this he was sixteen when he passed or so.
Looking closer he saw that the boy in the photo had similar hair to Iruka only much longer. His facial features were average for a boy at that age, including the slight acne and few freckles glazing his cheeks. But his eyes seemed to glimmer much like a certain bubbly genin he had the opportunity to watch during the chuunin exam.
"I'm not sure but he's familiar." Genma sighed.
Very familiar but I just can't place him.
"Really you think so?" Tsunade now seemed very interested. "Why don't you let Iruka-sensei see it."
Genma looked up confused.
Why would it matter if he sees it?
"Sure." Genma nodded slowly and handed the sheet over to Iruka.
-----
Grabbing the sheet Iruka froze the second he saw the face.
N...N...No No it can't be he's dead, I'm sure of it. The reports...the 3rd himself told me he died instantly, no body was found...so how?
Gulping deeply Iruka found it difficult to find his voice. "H...How?" He whispered at first. Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
"How is he still alive when I was told by everyone that he was dead." Iruka was now on the verge of hysteria. "I don't get it, was I lied to? Or was there a reason?" This he asked Tsunade personally.
"To be honest Iruka-sensei there isn't much I can tell you about the circumstances for his disappearance but I can assure you that he is very much alive."
"But how do you know then?"
Tsunade laughed. "Well I was looking through some files and I came across a file that was contradictory." Smiling she went on, "On the file it was stamped deceased but bolted to the page was details of an S-class mission. I won't tell you the nature of the mission since I cannot fully comprehend it myself at this point but I do know he is currently in command of a group of ANBU working secretly outside Fire Country."
I still don't get it. How can he abandon me like that, we were a team.
Something was wrong the day before I knew that but I thought it was a phase, no wonder he was acting so odd. Kaji's behavior now fits.
Kakashi stepped forward, now with a serious air about him. "If that's the case then are they with us or are they a rouge group?"
"From what I can gather, and trust me it's limited. These ANBU are very specialized and are working separately and secretly from any villages I know of. But that does not mean there is another hidden village we don't know about. I have never once found any missions where any of our operatives had been killed by these ANBU but I believe there is a note made by the third himself about an incident eight years ago."
-----
(Flashback)
"Hokage-sama you called for me." A younger Kakashi bowed.
"Yes Please sit Kakashi-kun" An older man with now graying hairs stood facing the large window. "I wanted to ask you about the mission report you handed in."
"What about it?"
"The ANBU captain of your team wants you to rewrite it." The third turned to face Kakashi with a grave look on his face. "He's told me before about your habit of lying. Am I right that you use excuses when late?"
"Uhh well. No!" Kakashi could feel annoyance well up from within but decided not to give in to it and instead he crossed his arms and leaned back.
"Ha ha ha nice try, I've heard a few of them don't you forget that." The third was now smiling. "Tell me Kakashi is it because of Obito that you have been late so often and use excuses."
"No Hokage-sama I... sometimes I am late for a... reason." Kakashi had been annoyed that he had dragged Obito into this when the boy wasn't even around anymore to defend himself.
"Hmm it seems then I was wrong" But deep down he knew it was true that since Obito's death Kakashi had taken on quite a few of his former teammate's habits. "But tell me about that mission. Why is it the captain wants you to rewrite it, do you even know why?"
Kakashi looked up to the man inform of him. His frail frame haloed with sunlight. "Because he thinks I made the ANBU that saved me up."
"Hmmm and what do you have to say about it, is it one of your excuses?"
"I don't see why I would make that up Hokage-sama!" Kakashi now stood up anger lacing his features, he couldn't hold it anymore. "I was trapped in a genjutsu, if they hadn't killed the shinobi from Mist and caused a distraction for the caster I would have most likely been captured or killed and Konohoa would have been in danger of being destroyed."
"Looks to me like you believe it actually happened, but in your report you said he could not have been an ANBU from Konohoa, and yet his armor was similar."
"He wasn't, his mask...I've never seen one like it, it was weird and I didn't like it." Kakashi was still noticeably upset. "Are you questioning me because you don't believe me?"
"Now why would you think that." The old man smiled again. Kakashi grunted in surprise as Sarutobi leaned over the desk and whispered something he wasn't expecting. "To tell you the truth I do believe you, and as our little secret you are right he is not from our village but rather an ally outside fire country with unimaginable skill and ability. I believe you yourself witnessed that."
Kakashi just stood in the same spot body rigid and surprise still etched on his masked face.
"Calm down Kakashi-kun" The Hokage laughed. "There is no need to be so defensive. What I want you to do though is to keep this quite, Konohoa cannot afford to lose it's most precious protector. If they find out there will be a most ruthless man hunt."
"Yes Hokage-sama" Kakashi swallowed.
"Good now I understand you have a mission to prepare for?"
"Yes, thank you Hokage-sama." Bowing low Kakashi turned to leave.
"Remember it stays between us, no one is to know."
"Yes." Kakashi affirmed as he stepped out the door, still really confused.
Kakashi just stood on the spot completely frozen.
------
Raidou was left still completely confused. What's with everyone? It's just a simple mission?
"Uh? Hokage-sama...I understand that we have to find him, but why would it take four people and people as skilled as we are?"
Tsunade looked up with a very stern look written on her face. "These ANBU are trained much like our own but because I am unsure of their movements I will be splitting you four into two groups. One group will have to track their movements outside their village. The other group will go to their village and gather information. If this man is there then I want you to confront him, but my guess is he is out in the field."
"But that would mean we're splitting up and weakening our team?" Iruka asked. "What if we were ambushed?"
"Well you're just going to have to avoid that. There is nothing I can do about that. By splitting you up the chances of finding the target are far greater."
Raidou sighed. This was going to be a very odd mission. Not only will they be split up but also from what he was gathering they will not be able to communicate, making the mission the more dangerous.
-----
Iruka looked back down at the picture. He was now more anxious to get the mission over with, the sooner the better, and the sooner he can see his old friend.
"Iruka-sensei and Raidou I want you two to track the ANBU teams outside the village." Tsunade interrupted his thoughts causing him to jump.
"Do not intercept them while they are on mission, I do not know how they will react to you if you do. I recommend you observe them first, is that understood?"
"Yes Hokage-sama." Iruka answered stiffly.
"Chances are he will not let them slaughter you if you are caught but it's been a few years so I want you to exercise extreme caution."
"Hn!" Iruka nodded. He just really wanted out of the stuffy office.
Looking to his left he saw Raidou pale a shade whiter and let out a shaky sigh. Iruka knew they'd be fine but Raidou wouldn't know that, he'd have to talk to him before they leave and explain a bit more about the target.
"Genma, Kakashi, you two go to the village. Gather all the information you can and I want no horsing around is that understood." With that comment Tsunade glared at Genma.
"WHAT!" Genma asked rather surprised. "Do you think that low of me?"
"No not yet but the rumors say otherwise." Tsunade narrowed her eyes more. "I would trust Kakashi more with this mission than you so he's the leader of the second team. Iruka since you know more about the man we're after I want you to take the lead."
Iruka nodded obediently and made a shaky smile at the jounin next to him.
Kakashi you made a mistake in underestimating me soon you'll see how skilled I can be.
Although Iruka was normally mild mannered it really agitated him when Kakashi made a fool of him in front of all his peers.
------
Sighing Tsunade regarded both groups. "Team one will be Iruka's, I want you to leave early at dawn. Kakashi your team will leave soon after noon. It will be easier to remain inconspicuous when you leave separately so please stick to those guidelines. Unfortunately the photo you have to go by is old and right now he should be about the age of 26. Another thing if your search is bringing up nothing it may be useful to know he carries the surname of Akahoshi; this may aid you in your search. But I would advise you to be careful when using that name."
By hearing that name she noticed Kakashi's features become more rigid as he made a sharp intake of breath.
Looks like he knows about them, I guess I should have known he would. He may be an annoying brat, but he's the biggest snoop in the village.
"Alright you are all dismissed...oh Iruka-sensei I need to talk to you for a minute." The mild mannered chuunin froze instantly.
Tsunade suddenly frowned as she watched the others leave.
And now down to the nitty gritty, he's going to hate me for this I can feel it.
-----
Frozen in the spot Iruka stared straight at the wall. Still in mid stride he couldn't even force his feet to turn.
"Iruka-kun please sit. You'll need to."
A sigh shuddered through the chuunin's body as he willed himself to move woodenly.
"Yes." Slowly he lowered himself into the chair as though extremely tired. "Is there something I can do?"
"Not quite, first I want to know how you're feeling."
Iruka froze and sat straight.
Feel? How else should I feel?
"Well to be honest I'm surprised. I didn't know he was still alive but I guess now that I think about it the reports were a bit sketchy, but I wish I had realized that then and not now, it may have saved me from the pain and grief."
"Hmm yes but from what I can understand the third had his reason's for assigning the mission."
"What about his sister?" Iruka muttered. "Did you find anything on her?"
Tsunade froze. "Sister?"
She doesn't even know they were twins? Iruka stared.
"Yes he was on my genin team, he always talked about his sister. From what I could recall she was a very skilled shinobi." But as he said this, his mood became darker and his shoulders seemed to sag.
I doubt either of them would even recognize me anymore, its been ten or so years since I've seen them both.
"Yes I saw that in the genin records but the girl, I didn't realize he had a sister?"
"Yes, they were twins."
Now it was Tsunade's turn to look shell-shocked. "What was her name?"
"..." Iruka muttered something even lower than before but it came out more as incomprehensible babble. "I can't tell you." He said as he looked to the floor.
Damn she's digging for information. I can't tell her the girl's name, no way I promised not to.
------
Tsunade knew that instant that the chuunin in front of her was holding something back from her but she would have to make this conversation go in her favor or else she'd have to scare the information out of the docile man seated before her.
It sounds like he was very fond of the girl. If only I found out where she came from, or where she was trained.
"Tell me Iruka-sensei, how old was this girl when she became a genin, do you know?"
Iruka's brown eyes flared for a minute. "Why would that matter? We're looking for her brother."
Oppps looks like he's not going to give me the information that easily I'm going to have to get him to tell me through a more sneaky method.
"Sometimes it may help you to remember enough about the other person by learning about the people they spend the most time with, you know that better than anyone."
Sighing Iruka bent his head and glared under his eyelids. "So you think by getting this information can help you find Kaji?"
Gattcha...All I needed was his true name. I was missing that. All I had to go on was Akahoshi, and people wouldn't respond too well to that if strangers were asking about that name.
"I'm sorry Iruka-kun I didn't mean to offend."
"No No it's my fault, I've been a little edgy lately." Iruka sighed now leaning back in the chair and assuming what looked like a more relaxed posture. However Tsunade could see a vein on the side of the man's neck pulsing madly.
"Please we need to know what village they came from. I know it's a lot to ask but, if we're going to have this mission work out I need to send Kakashi-san and Genma-san in the right direction."
I might as well take a straightforward route here, it looked as though he were about to have another nervous break down, and I can't afford that not yet.
------
Once Tsunade had started to ask about the girl Iruka had decided to be defensive.
I promised her I wouldn't give her away, or her village. I just want Tsunade-sama to stop questioning me about them, this is hard enough.
"Please Iruka-sensei. This is in the best interest of the mission and the safety of the teams."
Iruka looked at her with a look of what? Disgust, no not quite, more anger but disgust wasn't too close behind.
"No!" The man said in a flat tone. "I won't"
"WHY THE HELL NOT!" Tsunade growled, now showing the real Tsunade. The woman who would drag Naruto by the collar up a flight of stairs screaming just as loudly as the young man was. The same woman could make the elite Kakashi flinch. But one person who wasn't going to flinch was Iruka.
Heh after being Naruto's teacher for so long this is nothing she almost behaves the same way.
"Look I said no, so can I please go home, there's no point in getting the information from me now...I promised them I wouldn't divulge that information to anyone."
"Iruka-sensei please tell me." Tsunade was now breathing heavily, obviously holding back her anger as best she could.
Iruka just glared back. "I'm not doing this because I don't trust you I'm doing this because it was a promise I intend to keep. You're just going to have to find it on your own. I'm sure Kakashi-sensei is soo skilled he can probably find the village days before I could."
"Are you doing this because of a grudge..."
"NO!" Iruka now stood up.
"DON'T YELL AT ME SHINOBI." Tsunade screamed back now making Iruka shy back.
"Forgive me Hokage-sama I did not intend for my feelings to come out like that." He said with a bow.
Actually I did, and it felt good, but I don't want to see her do that again.
"Fine, keep your silly promise but one more thing before you go." Tsunade sighed as she plunked herself down into her seat.
"What is it?" Iruka now looked confused.
"I want you to go on this mission as a hunter"
"...." Everything when blank.
-----
"Iruka-sensei, are you all right? I told you to sit earlier." Tsunade smiled.
I knew he'd do this.
Slowly Tsunade watched as the young chuunin suddenly fell into the chair again but this time with a look of death written across his face.
"Iruka-sensei." Tsunade said this now a bit louder.
"Uhhh....What?" He looked as though what she had just told him was forgotten.
"I said I want you to go as a hunter."
"But....But I can't do that." Iruka's temper was now coming back to him. "You know I'm supposed to have that identity hidden. No one is supposed to know."
"Yes but things change and these circumstances are not the norm."
"I understand, but that's dangerous how would I explain that I'm not...me" Iruka seemed to have trouble explaining this. If someone found the identity they could be killed just for knowing that piece of information. There are a few who would be allowed to know, but the chances were very slim he could easily fool Raidou. The man was older and more experienced, you don't just go around fooling the older jounin, it usually came out as a mess.
He seems to know the consequences well enough, but so does Raidou. That's why I put him with Iruka-sensei.
"I know about how things here work but Raidou is as safe a bet as any to keep your secret. Trust him."
"What about the others? Genma-san knows but Kakashi-sensei...I don't think I want him to know."
"Don't worry I'm sure Genma-san will keep him busy. I bet those two will probably wind up more lost or in more trouble than even Naruto could. Iruka-sensei I wasn't expecting you to tell me about the village, but I must remind you Kakashi-san is no fool. He'll find it.
"I know that's what worries me."
"Oh?"
"Uhh...oh it's nothing sorry talking to myself." Iruka laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his neck.
Sighing Tsunde placed her head in her hands. "Please Iruka-san I need you to cooperate, if you don't this mission may fall apart."
------
Iruka was surprised; she wanted him, the academy teacher to assume his hidden identity. The one he had hid from the whole village. If word spread he would have no students and be cast out like Naruto had. He didn't want to go through that now.
Hunters weren't very appreciated. They were the hidden members in the ANBU. At times you can't even distinguish the two but in battle it was easy to see. Iruka was skilled, actually one of the best. Being a prankster in his past was a perfect ability for the job but right now things were looking deadly for the chuunin. If Kakashi found out he was sure the entire village would know.
Now he sat staring at the fifth Hokage as she leaned forward and placed her face in her hands, obviously exhausted.
He didn't mean to give her a hard time, but he had made promises in his past that he was going to keep.
No one is to know about that village, I won't be the one to lead it to its destruction. Kakashi finding it is scary enough.
Sighing Iruka stood. "Hokage-sama,"
Tsunade looked up.
"I must apologize for my behavior I will go as a hunter and I will bring Kaji back to Konohoa, but please keep my identity hidden from Kakashi-san I have a feeling that he could cause me some trouble." Iruka was being as truthful as he could. Not only will the jounin he was concerned about possibly blow his cover but also Iruka wanted to avoid taking the man's life. It was the last thing he wanted to do.
"Not a problem I will be sure to make sure he leaves you alone." Tsunade now picked up a scroll and wrote a few lines and grabbed another and did the same.
Now what is she up to? I can't help but feel she's up to something.
"Iruka-sensei, one more thing before you go. I will need you to give these to Genma and Kakashi, will you do that?"
"Uhhh?" Iruka couldn't help but feel annoyed and his expression showed it. With a wrinkled nose and narrowed eyes he couldn't help but ask. "What are they about?"
"HOW DARE YOU ASK ME THAT!"
Flinching Iruka took two steps back.
She can be very scary...
------
Sighing Tsunade looked at the shinobi before her in the eye. "Give these to them and do not question me again, it that understood. You've caused me enough grief. You're almost as bad as Kakashi-san."
Gulping Iruka grabbed the scrolls and turned to leave. But stopped as Tsunade addressed him once more.
"Please trust me Iruka-sensei, I am doing this for you and the village."
Flinching Iruka sighed. "I know Hokage-sama. I just can't help but feel a little scared." He admitted slowly trying to make his point clear. No matter how much he assured himself he hated doing his missions as a hunter.
"Thank you Iruka-san and good luck." With that the mild manner chunnin shakily left the office.
TBC...
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