Education in the Mountains

Name meaning: Yuudai - large, great hero, manly



Junko led them out of the council building. Kiokure, still sneaking peaks at Kakashi, took Iruka’s hand and followed her mother. The woman gave them an indecipherable look as she led them. They walked down the steps of the building to the path that led into the village center. To their left on the other side of the pond was a beautifully manicured garden with a canal winding through it. Junko gave them a quick tour of the village.





Directly ahead of them was the Academy with the adjoining training grounds protected by a twelve foot wall on the exposed sides. The walls protecting those outside the grounds more than those inside, Iruka surmised.





Looking around, Iruka was taken with the beauty of the canals that crisscrossed the entire village center. Every building had at least one wall that bordered a canal. Small crosswalks bridged the canals all over the place but the canals themselves were only about two feet wide by two feet deep. So they could be easily hopped over.





The woman led them down the riverside along the right side of the river. As they passed the Academy, Junko pointed out the market district across the river that was easily accessible by the bridge spanning the river. There were identical bridges about every 25 yards or so, along the river, connecting both sides of the village.





It seemed as though every citizen of the village was out of their homes. The entirety of the village was bustling. Just past the Academy was a large communal area. There was a small koi pond, a number of sogi tables, and pagodas with outdoor sofas for reading and conversations. Most of the table and pagodas were being utilized by at least one person. Behind that was the library. Past the communal area and library was a community center.





“It seems like everyone is out and about today,” Iruka noted, looking around.





“We don't stay at home much,” Kiokure said. Her mother nodded.





“The residences are not really for living in,” the woman explained. “They are small, dark, and not meant for daily living. We sleep and eat there, but our lives are lived down here.” She gestured around her. “As a people we are close. The canyon floor is designed to facilitate community and togetherness. We all help each other. Our crime rate is almost nonexistent and we trust each other.”





“I've never seen anything quite like it,” Kakashi said. “It's quite a sight.”





“Thank you, Tarou-san,” she continued. “On the other side of the community center, you'll find the bath houses. Beyond that the playgrounds, more communal area, the temple, and the graveyard. Beyond that is the shinobi training grounds. Across from us is the inn where you'll be staying.” She pointed then proceeded to point to each area beyond that. “The restaurant district, the civilian school, another community center and finally more shinobi training grounds.”





“I must agree with my partner, Junko-san.” Iruka looked around in awe. “It is stunning. Might we get a chance to tour one of the residences? I'm quite curious to see how they are constructed.”





“I would be delighted,” the woman replied. “However, I'm sure the two of you are weary and would like a chance to relax. If you would follow me, I'll get you settled into your room.”





Both men nodded and followed her across the bridge and into the inn. Junko introduced them to the desk clerk. “It is a pleasure to have you staying with us. If you would follow me, I will take you to your suite.”





“I will give the two of you some time to settle in.” The woman bowed her head to them. “The council will be meeting this evening at five for dinner. We ask that you join us. The council members are looking forward to meeting you.”





“We look forward to it.” Kakashi smiled. “Until then.” He bowed.





Iruka did the same. “It was a pleasure to meet your Kiokure-chan.” He knelt down, to her level. “I hope to see you again.”





“You too, Yasu-san. I like you!” She looked at Kakashi. “You too, pretty boy!”





“Kiokure!”





“Sorry, Mama.” She hid a smile and turned to walk away with her mother. She turned at the door and waved. Both men smiled and bowed.





“You certainly have a way with children, Yasu.” Kakashi gave the other man a knowing look. No wonder he was such a great teacher.





“Right this way, shinobi-sans.” The men turned and followed the clerk down the hall. He stopped at a door and handed them each a key. “Should you need anything, please, don't hesitate to let a staff member know. Please, enjoy your stay.”





They thanked him and stepped inside the room. Iruka gasped. The room was beautiful. There was a main area with a sofa and table. Off to the sides were two small bedrooms.





Thank Kami. Separate rooms.





Only one bathroom, unfortunately. Kakashi seemed to have read his mind. “Separate rooms after all, Yasu. I'm sure that pleases you.”





“Of course it does.” He replied, stiffly. He turned his back to the other man and walked to the set of double doors on the other side of the room. Opening them, he was shocked to find a private onsen. It wasn't large, but it could easily hold four adults comfortably. Besides, it was a small garden with a sogi table.





“Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that,” Kakashi said, looking over his shoulder. Iruka tensed at the closeness of the other man. It didn't go unnoticed by him either. “They certainly know how to take care of their guests.”





Iruka turned to look at him. “Knock yourself out. I'm going to go get some lunch and have a look around town.” He turned to one of the bedrooms. “I'll meet you back here at 16:45 and we can head to the council building.” Dropping his pack in the room, he turned and walked out the door without a second glance back.



Oh yeah. He's pissed alright.



Kakashi sighed. He had to figure out how to make things right. Unfortunately, he had absolutely no idea how to do that.



-----------------------------



At precisely 4:40 Iruka opened the door to the room. He found Kakashi lounging on the sofa with his nose buried in a book. Porn no doubt. “Ready to go?”



“Ready when you are Yasu.”



Iruka turned around and left the way he came without another word. Kakashi smiled and followed a few steps behind unabashedly admiring the other mans ass as they walked down the hallway. Once they stepped into the lobby however, he cleared his face of the amusement and stepped up to walk beside him as they made their way to the council building.



Ten minutes later found them walking up the steps and being greeted by Noboru as he held the door for them. Junko sat in the entryway with Kiokure and a very attractive man. The pair stood as they walked in the door. He placed a possessive hand at the small of her back. Both men bowed politely. Kiokure stood behind her mother quietly.



“Good evening Junko-san” Kakashi smiled. He turned to the man at her side. “Councilman Yamada I presume?”



The man nodded. “Yamada Yuudai, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He looked at both men. “You have obviously already met my wife and daughter. I hope they treated you well and were a good introduction to our village.”



“A fine representation indeed Yamada-sama.” Iruka smiled at the little girl. She glanced up at him and gave a small smile and immediately looked back down to the floor. He frowned. This was not the same girl he had met just a few hours previously. He looked at Kakashi. The man made no indication that he’d noticed anything wrong. Iruka turned his attention back to the man he’d just met.



“......my partner Hamasaki Yasu.”



Iruka nodded his head. “It is an honor to meet you Yamada-sama.” he studied the councilman. He was of average height, but everything else about him was quite striking. Even beneath his council robes it was obvious he was in shape, good shape. His face was pale, with a sprinkling of freckles across delicate but still masculine features. All of this was topped off with a head of long silky stunningly red hair. Despite his attractiveness he made Iruka uneasy.



“I thank you for coming. I must step away to finish some last minute preparations.” He gave a slight nod of his head. “Until dinner gentlemen.”



Both Konoha shinobi bowed as he made his way up stairs. As he left Noboru stepped out into the entryway. “Kio-Chan.”



Her eyes lit up. “BoBo-San!” She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. “Do I get to play with you while Mama and Father work?”



He smiled. “Of course Kio-Chan. Let's go.” He held his hand out to her. She took it and turned to wave.



“See you later! Bye Mama.” They walked off in the direction of the records room.



“She is a wonderful little girl.” Iruka looked to Junko. “How old is she? If you don't mind me asking.”



“Of course not. She is six.” The woman replied. “She will start at the academy in the fall.”



“She certainly made our welcome a pleasant one.” Iruka smiled.



“My partner seems to attract children.” Kakashi grinned. “They are drawn to him like bees to honey.”



“It takes a special person to relate to children, and truly appreciate them for what they are and not what they could be.” Junko smiled warmly at Iruka. “Well gentlemen. Shall we head to dinner?”