Disclaimer: Once again I do not own Naruto or any characters whatsoever and I also make no profit.
Chapter One
**Day Zero**
Tsunade looked out at her small police force losing herself in thought. The day seemed to be dragging on slowly as she awaited the return phone call from her old sensei. If all went well she would retain her jurisdictional right and with every fiber of her being, she wanted this case. Her friend deserved the best and she knew her men and women to be the best ones to solve his murder.
She sighed and bit her thumb, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to participate actively in the investigation. This was the only time that she regretted accepting the Chief of Police position for this little backwater station. She felt trapped, unable to move and unable to breath. Her friend was dead, murdered by a coward; and her involvement with solving his murder was dependent on a phone call.
Her thoughts slowly drifted over to whom would lead the investigation. Kakashi was a given with his almost 20 years on the force. No one surpassed his experience, but herself. But who should his partner be? All her detectives were greenhorns.
Tsunade exhaled and rubbed at her temples. Out of the eight detectives there was none close to the experience Kakashi possessed; each only having a few years out of the Academy at most. So who could she trust to handle such an important and high-profile case? Better yet, who could handle the pressure?
Kiba had proven capable of doing the work this case would demand, but the media attention would get to him. He had a goal of one day joining the ranks of the Konohagakure k-9 unit; to train future working dogs. There was also an anger problem that has landed him in hot water more than once before; and Akamaru would be useless on a case such as this.
Ino? She was fresh out of the Academy and the newest of her detectives. It was only her third month. She was untested and therefore, dismissed from her list. She couldn’t trust the newbie with the murder of a Senator and her friend.
Tenten? She could stay on task and do the work, but her experience was once again lacking. She couldn’t trust Jiraiya to her.
Shino; now he would work if he could be parted with his precious bugs long enough. Tsunade smiled before frowning. She forgot that Shino didn’t get along with Kakashi. It was completely one-sided, really. Who could blame Kakashi for accidentally stepping on a beetle? It wasn’t like he set out that day to commit insect murder.
Temari had the most experience of all the young detectives. Six years was practically battle-hardened, but once again she didn’t get on with Kakashi. It had something to do with that orange book he was always reading. Tsunade sighed and chuckled at the memory of the fiery blonde chasing the lieutenant around the precinct calling him a pervert and threatening to whack him to death with that very same book. Kakashi had taken to locking his book away in his desk drawer for safe keeping and checking on it no less than seven times a day.
There was Sakura, one of the best officer’s she had. One of the few with the true potential, but she had just started maternity leave. Curse, that husband of hers! They had only been married for nine months! Sakura was the only one who could focus on the task at hand, ignore the media attention, and get the job done.
That only left two people. The most qualified of her young detectives not on maternity leave. The only problem was their eternal rivalry. She couldn’t choose one over the other without it being viewed as an insult on either end; and they certainly couldn’t work together, past experiences proved that.
Tsunade groaned as she felt a headache coming on. She was getting ahead of herself anyway. She required official approval first. The phone ringing in the background caught her attention and she turned to pick up the receiver.
“Tsunade speaking.”
‘Tsunade,’ her former sensei replied. She held her breath waiting for his reply. ‘Jurisdiction should not be a problem for you at all. One or more of your detectives are more than adequate for this degree of investigation. However, I have a favor to ask of you?’
Tsunade released her breath silently. “Of course, anything you want.”
‘I want to send two of my own detectives to aid you with the investigation. It certainly wouldn’t hurt you to have their expertise and it may even prove helpful in the end.’
“That shouldn’t be a problem at all.”
‘Good, they’re my best detectives. They’re efficient and have an impeccable close rate.’
“I am honored, sensei, that you trust me with this and your best detectives. This means a lot to me.” Tsunade swallowed thickly.
‘It means a lot to both of us that Jiraiya finds the justice he deserves. Have you spoken to Orochimaru yet? I was unable to reach him and fear that he may have heard of his friends passing on the news. It should really come from one of us.’
“I reached him, Sarutobi sensei. He was saddened by the news and regretted not being able to be here. He is going to try to make it here for the funeral.”
‘I am relieved to hear that. It was something that needed to be conveyed by a friend.’ Sarutobi muttered sadly. ‘I leave this in your hands Tsunade and will see you at the funeral.’
“I look forward to seeing you then and I will keep you informed of the investigation every step of the way.”
‘Thank you, Tsunade. Have a goodnight.’
As the phone clicked Tsunade sighed and bit at her thumb. She allowed her tears to run freely, thinking of her long-time friend. He didn’t deserve this! Gently wiping at her eyes she exited her officer to face her detectives. She decided quickly who Kakashi’s partner would be.
~CALM~
The whole precinct had been eagerly waiting to hear from Chief Tsunade on whom would be investigating Senator Jiraiya’s murder. It was expected that Kakashi would be one half of the duo, but who the other detective would be was cause for heavy betting. Kiba was running around taking last minute bets as the tension mounted in this waiting game.
There were only two possible choices for the detectives to choose from with Sakura due on maternity leave: Sasuke Uchiha or Neji Hyuga; eternal rivals. So who would the Chief trust more? Would she choose the brooding Uchiha who was desperate to restore his family name in the wake of tragedy; or the Hyuga, who was always striving to gain his uncle’s approval, but always seemed to fall short of his goal? Both proven, both capable; it could go either way. And that was the opinion of the detectives.
The bet was split down the middle at 50:50 odds with Kiba, Ino, and Sakura for Sasuke and Temari, Tenten, and Shino for Neji. Kakashi was barred from wagering and appeared completely disinterested either way. He was too engrossed in his little orange book, oblivious to the nasty glares Temari shot at him, but he could be seen finger the key around his neck surreptitiously.
Shino stalked off after making his final bet and hid in the corner playing with his bugs. Tenten and Ino were in a heated discussion about the blonde’s recent date with a creepy guy who grinned unnaturally. Sakura was seen increasing her bet with Kiba, convinced the longer Chief Tsunade took the better Sasukes chances. Neji had taken to glaring at the Uchiha’s back, who was currently ignoring the Hyuga in favor of brooding. Sasuke was to be seen sitting at his desk, chin resting on interlaced fingers, and staring at nothing in particular. He didn’t even bat an eye as Tsunade exited her office.
“Chief Sarutobi has granted us full jurisdictional rights with the condition that we work alongside two of his own detectives. I expect you all to treat them with respect as Chief Sarutobi is offering us his finest. Kakashi will lead the investigation with Uchiha’s help. Is that understood?” Without waiting for any reply Tsunade turned back to her office; she had a funeral to arrange.
Kakashis eyes sparkled in understanding and turned to the young raven. There was no sign from the youngest Uchiha that he’d even been listening to their Chief, but Kakashi wasn’t fooled. He knew Sasuke’s blood boiled for this opportunity to prove himself.
From the corner of his eye he saw Kiba was grinning like a madman as he sought out Sakura and Ino to split the amount, much to the groans of the losers. He closed his book, opened his desk drawer and placed it inside gingerly, locking the drawer with a key nestled snuggly around his neck. He eyed Temari out of the corner of his eye as he walked over to Sasuke’s desk and lowered himself in a nearby chair. “Are you ready for this, Sasuke?”
“Hn.”
“Careful, Sasuke; keep this up and people will start to accuse you of talking too much.” Kakashi joked, earning an infamous Uchiha death glare. The lieutenant on the other hand was grinning behind his turtleneck; it was always seen covering the lower half of his face.
Sasuke looked up and stared into his mismatched eyes; one gray eye and the other a blood red. It was no secret that it came about from an accident when Kakashi had just been a rookie, but what was secret was how it happened. It was cause for deep speculation among the sleepy precinct.
“What do we have so far Kakashi?” The lieutenant smirked as the raven got down to business.
“Just the preliminary findings. We are awaiting the CSI reports and a match for the bullet, as well as the coroner’s report. In fact it should be here any minute. There were no findings of fingerprints at the crime scene, except for the security guard from the apartment building across the street and the witnesses that found the Senator’s body. No footprints were found, no traces of hair, no DNA of any kind; nothing. No signs whatsoever that showed anyone had been in that building. That is all we have.”
Sasuke narrowed his eyes; something didn’t seem right about that to him. “The place was wiped down.” He stated.
“That is what it looks like, but then there is also very little there that would retain a fingerprint. Still, you would expect to find hair, but then it was only limited to the one room…” Kakashi muttered to himself.
“You’re rambling, Kakashi.”
“If the place was wiped down, they would only have to wipe down that one room. It would make sense then.”
“So you’re thinking premeditation?”
“A possibility, but then it could also have been an accident.”
“Hn. What was the building used for before it became a cesspool for society’s filth?
“So pessimistic at such a young age Sasuke?” Kakashi laughed earning another death glare. “It was once a boarding house before it was converted into a restaurant. It went bankrupt in the 70’s and passed through several owners that did nothing with it. The last owner left it in his will to his nephew, but not before trying to fix it up and use it as a restaurant again. The nephew could care less about the property since he left it vacant for 19 years. Konoha bought the property as imminent domain and had plans to tear it down tomorrow to make way for the ‘Konoha Revitalization Project’ already underway.
“Did Senator Jiraiya have any involvement with the project?”
“None, so there was no reason for him to be there.”
“That we know of. There must be something that brought him there and away from the safety of a plane to Suna. Could he have been meeting someone?”
“That’s what we need to find out, but there was no evidence on scene to prove that was why he was there.”
“Let’s say that he was meeting someone, which would be logical, for some reason or other. They argued and the Senator ends up fatally shot?”
“He was shot in the back and there was no life-saving measures used.”
“Then whoever he was meeting intended to murder him; once again premeditation.” Sasuke remarked.
“Possibly, but what would be the motive? Remember he is highly respected by the masses.”
“Not everybody could have liked him. Maybe someone held a grudge against him?”
“We will have to look into it; but while we are on the subject of theories, here’s another: what if it was a case of mistaken identity? Or he was in the wrong place at the wrong time? For all we know he could have changed his plans on a whim and been on his way to visit Tsunade when he noticed something off inside and went to investigate.”
“Ok, Kakashi; where’s his car then?”
Kakashi sat back in his chair and rubbed at his chin. He hadn’t thought about how Jiraiya had gone from the airport to downtown Konoha. “That’s a start. We will have to make a call for DMV records* and if I’m not mistaken that’ll be the autopsy report coming through.”
Sasuke walked over to the fax and extracted the five page report before returning to his desk and laying the report between the two of them.
“GSW was not the immediate cause of death.” Kakashi read aloud. “Exsanguination…bled out fast and heavily; he didn’t have a chance. That’s small comfort. The bullet missed all vital organs, but nicked his pulmonary artery; bullet entered through the back and exited from his chest. There was nothing of note to the stomach contents…” Kakashi sighed. “It doesn’t lend much insight in to the investigation.”
“Who is being pessimistic now?” Sasuke goaded.
“Hn.” Kakashi replied as he rose from his chair. “I’ll just take this to Tsunade. It’s getting late, Sasuke, you should go rest a bit. We’ll need to be prepared for our new friend’s arrival tomorrow.”
“Hn.” But Sasuke heeded the advice and rose from his desk. He gathered up his belongings and exited the precinct, making his way towards his car. His eyes narrowed as he noticed a person leaning against the driver’s side door of his black Mercedes; a sweet-sixteen gift from his brother, with their arms crossed.
“Hyuga.” Sasuke snarled.
“Uchiha.” Neji spat. The two had a brief glaring match in which neither won; just par-for-the course with these two.
“If you don’t mind, Hyuga, get your ass off my car before I forcibly remove it for you!”
Neji launched himself away from the car and brushed passed Sasuke, hitting his shoulder in the process. He stated clearly: “Don’t think you’ve won because you were chosen over me, Uchiha. You’ll screw up eventually and when you do I will be there pick up the pieces.”
Sasuke whipped around and grabbed Neji by his collar, fisting the cotton material and wrinkling it in the process. A smirk was evident on the lavender-eyed man’s face. “Go ahead, Uchiha, hit me. You’ve been dying to for so long, now’s your chance.” He encouraged.
With a snarl Sasuke pushed him away and entered his vehicle, pealing out of the parking lot and onto the main road. He was eager to be away from the long-haired Hyuga and the temptation to pound his face in. He’d be damned if he let the pale-eyed bastard jeopardize his chance to get out of this sleepy town and make it big in the city. Fighting him would prove nothing and land him a suspension, which would go in his jacket, and just might kill his chances at a federal job. That would not happen; he was Uchiha after all. And his family name needed this case; only the prestige it offered would restore Uchiha to its former glory. Everything depended on this and the only thing that could jeopardize his grandiose plan would be the lent detectives. He would make clear that they were not needed and solve this case himself, gaining all the glory.
~CALM~
**Day One**
The dark haired man could only sigh and shake his head at the flamboyantly orange truck honking annoyingly in his driveway. The music was blaring at inhuman levels distractingly, and yet this was completely normal for him. It set alarm bells off in his mind instantly; it was too normal.
Everyday his partner would pick him up at the end of his driveway, music up as high as he could make it; all in the attempts to annoy him. And Shikamaru had to admit that it had annoyed him the first few days before it became too troublesome to worry about. Shikamaru exited his house and went to greet his colleague and best friend.
“Yo.” He muttered and was met by a bright smile from a sunny blonde, hanging halfway out of his window. Shikamaru knew instantly that smile was phony as he climbed into the orange monstrosity. It stretched too far across his whiskered face and didn’t reach the bearer’s shocking blue eyes. He hated that look with a passion; it had no purpose marring his friend’s visage. He vowed, as he leaned forward and turned the music off, that he would never allow that look to haunt his features again!
As Naruto crawled back inside Shikamaru questioned worriedly, “How are you?”
His smile slid into a grimace as he faced his long-time friend and asked. “Am I that obvious, Shika?”
It hadn’t even been 24 hours since Naruto received a visit from Chief Sarutobi with the devastating news. The day had started off like any other before it. It had been their day off and in typical fashion, had decided they were going to spend the day playing video games and drinking; their favorite pastime. Shikamaru had been enjoying being thoroughly slaughtered by Naruto when the door-bell rang. Pausing the game he had rushed to answer the door, thumping Shikamaru on the back as he went; his face alight with happiness.
Shikamaru hadn’t thought much of it when everything had seemed to go deathly quiet; and it wasn’t until his blonde friend returned that he knew something was horribly off. Naruto was a very vocal person and the sight of him leaning against the doorframe in complete silence was disconcerting. His blue eyes were dull and the sunshine seemed sucked from his very pores, evaporated in an instant. He looked fragile and on the verge of crumbling and it had only been his strong will that kept him from collapsing on the floor.
“You should know better than to try to fool me, Naru. You don’t have to hide behind that mask of yours.” Shikamaru muttered as he pulled himself from his memories.
“I wasn’t trying too.” He answered truthfully.
“Uh-huh.” Shikamaru’s tone dripped with sarcasm as he turned disbelieving eyes on his friend.
“Honest, Shika.” Naruto whispered in his ear as he slid his hand along the brunette’s leg, coming to rest on his inner thigh. Shikamaru shuddered as Naruto leaned in and brought his lips against his in a fiery passion. He lost himself in the feel of plump lips against his, the feel of an expert tongue sliding expertly in to tango with his own; the feel of lithe fingers coming up to tug at the hair tie tying his hair. Shikamarus eyes snapped open as he came to his senses, forcefully pulling himself away from the intoxicating feeling that was known as Naruto.
Naruto released a small whine before frowning at his partner. “What?”
“I thought you were done doing this, Naruto?” He whispered.
Naruto leaned against the back of his seat, his eyes widening. “I thought you liked it when I did that?” He asked innocently.
“Cut the bullshit, Naruto. I’m worried about you and you’re not exactly easing me of that worry when you act like this, you know.”
“You make me sound like a wanton bitch.”
“Hardly, but you do get around...”
“I had relationships with all of them...”
“That failed miserably.”
“That wasn’t from a lack of trying to make it work.” Naruto replied bitterly. He knew very well that he had multiple partners; just never at the same time if that was any consolation. No, his problem was that he couldn’t maintain the relationships for long. Somehow, for some reason or other, his relationships tended to end swiftly; going up in flames spectacularly.
“They didn’t want relations with you, just a one-night stand, but you’re too stubborn to give up on anyone.”
“I could have made it work...”
“You try too hard, Naruto.”
“So you’re saying that I scared them away?” Naruto bristled at the implication. Shikamaru sighed and shook his head, no that wasn’t what he meant.
“No, they just didn’t want a commitment.”
“Like you?” He whispered bitterly. He couldn’t understand why Shikamaru had been pulling away from him lately.
“We’re not talking about me, Naru.”
“We could still work...” But Shikamaru shook his head, silencing the blonde’s further comments.
“No, I wouldn’t have made you happy.”
“Let me be the judge of that!”
“No. It wouldn’t work, Naruto. Just trust me with this, ok?” But Naruto refused to answer, silently fuming at having been denied once again.
Shikamaru sighed at his sullen friend wondering if this was the right thing to do. He understood what his Chief was trying to do, but at what expense? “Maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be doing at the moment. It’s not too late to change your mind. Genma and Raido are just as good as us.”
“No, I want to be the one working on this. It will keep my mind occupied.” Naruto replied hollowly.
“You’re not dealing with it…”
“I’m fine, Shika.” Naruto turned to stare at his partner, trying to smile in reassurance. Shikamaru wasn’t fooled; this was a bad idea from the start. Chief Sarutobi never should have suggested it, but as much as he didn’t like the idea, it was a far better place for Naruto to be at the moment where he could keep an eye on him. Things were about to be flipped upside-down for him and it was better that he step back and take some time, gain some perspective. Naruto would certainly need that perspective in the coming months.
Naruto turned over the engine of his truck and backed out of the driveway, advancing down the street without another word; silently sulking at being rebuffed.
“The Chief wants us to stop by the airport and pick up Jiraiya’s luggage; it was confirmed checked-in and on the plane to Suna. It should be there by the time we get there.” Shikamaru muttered, trying to shatter the silence. His hopes were in vain as Naruto continued to stare at the road without uttering a word, but he did hit the blinker to change lanes and take the exit toward Konohagakure International.
~CALM~
Forty-five minutes later brought them to the bustling airport. They were able to get in and out relatively quickly and without much incident. Airport security was reluctant to release the luggage and even threatened to have Naruto and Shikamaru jailed for attempted theft of evidence in a criminal investigation. It wasn’t until Naruto whispered something in the guard’s ear that he released the luggage hurriedly to the blonde’s personal custody. Shikamaru didn’t have to guess what Naruto had told him as he tried to hide a smirk.
“What a total waste of time!” Naruto exclaimed, finally on speaking terms again. He plopped the evidence in the back seat of his truck and climbed inside, pushing the key in the ignition and starting the engine.
“Is that what your gut is telling you?”
Naruto grimaced and nodded. “Yeah, its just luggage.”
Shikamaru nodded as he fastened his seatbelt. It was the one thing that he trusted most about his partner; his gut instinct. It had never failed to be correct about anything and had saved both their hides more than once, getting them out of some tight situations and acting as a warning beacon. Shikamaru didn’t really believe in the supernatural, but he had complete faith that there were some people out there with a higher sensitivity to ill intent. His partner just happened to be one of those people.
“Then this was a waste of time.” He agreed as the scenery flashed by in a rush. Silence slowly wafted through the truck as the hum of the highway was the only thing heard. It was a comfortable silence.
“How do you think they’ll be?” Naruto asked nervously some time later, cracking through the silence.
“It doesn’t matter how they’ll be, but how we’ll be. We have to be professional always, but not discourteous.”
“Yeah…” Naruto acquiesced. “But how do you think they’ll treat us?” He blurted out, nerves getting the better of him.
Shikamarus lips curled into a smile. Leave it to Naruto to worry about how he’ll be perceived. He was really starting to become conscious of public opinion; not that the public really knew who he was. “I’m sure they’ll love you, Naru. Just, please promise that you won’t fall in love.” He joked.
“What?!” Naruto yelled in shock, blue eyes darting towards his partner before making their way back on the road.
“I know you, Naru. Don’t fall for anyone…”
“When have I ever?!”
“I seem to recall you poured your heart out to a girl and declared your undying love.” Shikamaru laughed. Recalling the moment vividly in his mind...it was the only time that he was certain that his friend had truly been in love.
“What! That was kindergarten, Shika; kindergarten! I was six!”
“Still, you fell hard for her. You even pined for her until Jr. High when she was transferred out to another school.”
“She turned me down repeatedly.”
“You really liked her.” He teased.
“…”
“… …”
“I guess I did fall hard.”
“Really hard.”
“I’ll fall for you if you let me.” Naruto stated innocently, smiling like the Cheshire Cat.
“You have more important things to be concerned about than love. Keep your mind on track.” Shikamaru admonished, though he couldn’t help the fluttering feeling he felt in his stomach. If only things could be different.
“Yeah, I have more important things.” Naruto sighed in agreement.
~CALM~
Half an hour later found the two detectives crossing the bridge into rural Konoha. Shikamaru couldn’t help noticing Naruto’s aversion and didn’t fault him one bit. It was difficult growing up with reminders of the family that he lost, but unlike pictures and furniture, you couldn’t put away a bridge dedicated in your father’s name. But he managed to get across without incident and five minutes later pulled up in front of the small precinct. Naruto looked at it in bewilderment, his mouth dropping slightly. It was a small, two storied building made of red brick and smaller than Shikamaru’s apartment.
“It’s so small.” He muttered.
“It’s a small town, Naru.” Shikamaru admitted. It was strange that a small town right across a bridge from a big metropolis could be so cut off from technology. It seemed almost as if the small town refused to embrace the 21
st century.
“I know that, Shika! It just wasn’t what I was expecting. It doesn’t look big enough to house anything let alone a police force of eight.”
“It’s an old town, Naru. I would think that it held some kind of charm for the people that lived here.”
“That is probably the only reason they still use it.”
“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.”
“Yeah, I guess. I’ll grab the laptop if you grab the luggage.” Naruto muttered, already reaching out for the computer in the back seat. Shikamaru rolled his eyes and fetched the luggage as Naruto bounded up the steps and into the small precinct.
~CALM~
All the detectives of Konoha had found a way to be at the precinct today to welcome their guests; even Sakura was there when she was supposed to be on maternity leave. Sasuke couldn’t help shooting glances at the door every two seconds, barely containing his irritation. They were late and the smug look on Neji’s face wasn’t helping the Uchiha’s mood. He couldn’t wait to pounce on any mistake he made!
Kakashi sidled over holding two cups of steaming coffee in his hands. He placed one in front of Sasuke and smiled knowingly beneath his turtle-neck. Sasuke snarled at the man’s appearance, but accepted the steaming Styrofoam cup anyway. Leave it to Kakashi never to change his wardrobe, always the same turtle-necks in various colors; black being his favorite. Kakashis’ knowing smirk widened, giving Sasuke the impression that he could read his thoughts.
But Sasuke didn’t have time to dwell on his lieutenant. His eyes dragged over the man that had just bounded inside the precinct; short, spiky blonde hair that stood up on end, wearing blue jeans and a white button-up shirt, with a bag slung over his shoulder. Sasuke’s stomach fluttered as he caught sight of those ocean blues. They held so much sadness for such an energetic man that strange anger bubbled up inside the Uchiha; and it didn’t abate when he took notice of the faint whisker scars on the newcomer’s cheeks.
The blonde haired, blue eyed stranger seemed oblivious to the detectives staring at him as he turned to look down the staircase at something unknown. He rolled those ocean blues and turned to look in front of him, pausing at all the staring eyes on him. He reached up a tan hand and ran it through his hair, scratching at the back of his head and laughing nervously. Sasuke followed that tan hand avidly, wondering if he was tan all over. He could imagine it clearly as his mind wandered down a dangerous path.
“Can we help you?” Neji asked the newcomer, sauntering forward. Sasuke snapped out of his fantasies and turned to look at his eternal rival; taking in the ravenous look in his pale eyes. He too wanted this man that looked so sad and innocent and Sasuke’s blood boiled at the thought. Like hell he would let Neji have him! He already claimed him as his own!
“Umm…” The blonde started, but was interrupted by a squeal.
“Naruto!” Sakura shouted excitedly, her emerald eyes lighting up in recognition.
The blonde snapped his attention to her and his face lit up. Sasuke had never seen anything so startling as the genuine smile on the man’s face, it held him captivated. “Sakura, what are you doing here?!”
“I work here.” She laughed and waddled her way to the man named Naruto, pushing passed Neji who froze and frowned. She grabbed Naruto in a hug, smiling wide.
“Wow, you’re a detective?” He asked happily. Sakura nodded and turned to stare at the other newcomer leaning against the door with an air of complete laziness despite having climbed 20 stairs.
“Sakura.” Shikamaru nodded, instantly recognizing her after ten years. She hadn’t changed much except that she had grown slightly taller.
“Shika.” She muttered and waddled over to him, giving him a hug too.
“Who is the lucky guy?” He asked as he pointed to her swollen belly.
“Oh…” Sakura blushed crimson, suddenly very shy and embarrassed.
“It’s Lee isn’t it?” Naruto blurted out happily. Sakura could only nod in shock at how he figured it out so easily. “Bush-brow finally wore you down did he?”
“Yeah, he was very persistent. So I decided to give him a chance and I don’t regret it. He treats me very well; but, hey! I tried to track you down to send you an invitation to the wedding, but I couldn’t find you! Where have you been?!” Sakura demanded.
“Working.” Naruto laughed.
“Working, you?! I find that hard to believe.” She laughed.
“Honest, Sakura; I was working really hard.”
“Don’t you mean hardly working...?” She teased.
“Sakura...!” Naruto whined causing her to relent.
“So what do you do; and why are you here?” She asked in mock suspicion.
“Well, I’m a detective, too; and it is my job to be here. Shika is too.”
Sakura took a step back, eyes wide in shock. “You’re the detectives that Chief Sarutobi sent us?”
“You don’t have to sound so surprised.” Naruto laughed.
“Sorry, we were expecting someone...you know, older.” She muttered softly.
“Age isn’t the most important thing.” Shikamaru drawled. “We are efficient and the best at what we do.”
“Don’t brag, Shika.*”
“I’m not bragging, just stating fact.” Naruto frowned in irritation at his partner.
“So you are the detectives that Chief Sarutobi sent me?” Tsunade demanded, her amber eyes narrowing as they landed on Naruto. “Why?”
“That should be obvious.” Shikamaru answered cryptically.
Tsunade nodded stiffly and looked at Sakura. “You’re supposed to be on bed rest. Get your behind out of my precinct before I call that husband of yours to come get you.” She demanded, but not unkindly.
Sakura eeped and gave one last hug to Naruto and Shikamaru before waddling down the stairs. Naruto turned to look at her retreating form, a smile gracing his lips. It had felt wonderful to see Sakura after so long and to see that she was happy.
Sasuke had been watching the entire exchange in irritation and his anger surged at the thought that these two men; the same age as he, were already the best at what they did. He was envious, but hid it behind his carefully constructed mask. Uchiha’s never showed weakness and he would prove that to everyone and especially these two detectives.
Though, even as he was envious, he couldn’t help but be attracted to the blonde named Naruto. And he wasn’t the only one. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Neji looking him up and down, sizing him up. Sasuke knew the Hyuga was interested, but he would be damned if he let him get anywhere near
his blonde. This Naruto belonged to Sasuke and he didn’t even know it yet.
“I can’t say I’m thrilled by this…” Tsunade stated. “But if you are the best than I won’t stand in your way.”
“Our record proves we are the best.” Shikamaru stated.
“Shika…don’t brag.” Naruto whispered, but was waived off.
“Let me introduce you to the detectives here and to your new partners, then.” Tsunade muttered. “You obviously know Sakura; but this is Neji Hyuga, Temari Sabaku, Kiba Inuzuka, Ino Yamanaka, Tenten Tamura, Shino Aburame, Sasuke Uchiha and Lieutenant Kakashi Hatake. You’ll be working with them. This is Shikamaru Nara and Naruto
Uzumaki, make them feel welcome.”
Naruto nodded at everyone in turn, his eyes finally landing on frozen onyx. He felt his stomach clench and twinge painfully, butterflies dancing wildly. He quickly averted his gaze and landed on Kakashi with his mis-matched eyes. Naruto recognized him as one of the men that used to work for Chief Sarutobi. He had up and disappeared without anyone the wiser ten years ago. Who would have thought he’d turn up in a sleepy town like Konoha?
Kakashi held his hand out to shake, focusing intently on Naruto. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he recognized this youth, but he couldn’t recall from where. It had been so long since he worked for Konohagakure and Chief Sarutobi, this Naruto would have just been entering his teens when he left. So they couldn’t have worked together? So why did he seem so familiar?
“It’s nice to meet you in person.” Naruto replied happily. “I pass your picture everyday on the way to my desk.”
“So they hung a picture?” Kakashi asked. He was slightly honored, slightly startled by that fact.
“Yes, Chief Sarutobi speaks very highly of you. He regrets letting you go.” Shikamaru muttered.
“I had my reasons for leaving.” Kakashi admitted, but wouldn’t elaborate further. “I see you picked up the luggage from the airport, but what do you have with you, Naruto?”
“Oh, this is a laptop with satellite hook-up. It will give you all the access to vital records you could need. It’s meant to replace your older model and will be yours to keep after we leave.”
“That is a generous gift.” Tsunade stated coldly.
“Not really. It’s part of Konohagakure changes. A law was passed to help rural cities stay connected with the capitol. You should have had one of these months ago.”
“I see.” She muttered darkly.
“It only lets you access the records quicker. You’re not obligated to use it if you prefer other methods, but it has to stay here as federal law.”
“I will have to thank Sarutobi sensei, then.”
“No, it wasn’t Chief Sarutobi.” Naruto whispered sadly, but he was unheard by anyone but Shikamaru. Naruto sat the computer down on the nearest desk and followed Tsunade to her office, who beckoned them to follow. Shikamaru tugged the luggage behind him with a muttered ‘troublesome’.
“I think you’ll find just clothes in there, by the way.” Naruto stated as the door swung closed on the stunned detectives.
“We still have to search it, but I agree with you.” Tsunade muttered. She waved at a man on the other side of the door to enter.
“Chief Tsunade; Lieutenant.” The man greeted. Kakashi nodded, his eyes following the man intently. Hidden behind his mask was a small smile.
“Shikamaru and Naruto this is Iruka Umino. He’s the lead CSI on the case.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Iruka greeted with a smile. “So this is the luggage then?”
“There’s nothing but clothes in it.” Naruto repeated.
“Really?” Sasuke asked sarcastically. “Who would have thought; clothes in a suit case.”
“Whatever, bastard.” Naruto snarled earning a confused look from Shikamaru that went unseen. Naruto had never acted like that to a colleague before, regardless of if he was friendly with them or not. His worry only intensified with his friend’s odd behavior.
“Hn.”
“There could be porn in there?”
“You can’t be serious?!” Sasuke stated in outrage, his eyes widening as they turned to stare at the blonde detective. “To accuse the Senator of something so depraved…”
“He was a depraved man.” He stated flatly, causing Sasuke to swell with outrage. This was a Senator of Konohagakure, he commanded respect at all times and not silly slandering’s!
“You’re tarnishing the good name of a respected Senator!”
“Trust me he was more than capable of tarnishing his own name. He was the biggest pervert the world has ever seen and if you had met him you would not be arguing with me!”
“Lies!”
“I do not lie!” Naruto swelled in frustration.
“Go ahead and open it up, Iruka.” Tsunade ordered, raising her voice slightly to quell any further words between the two detectives. They settled into silent, fuming poses, shooting glares at each other every so often. Tsunade inwardly sighed. She couldn’t deal with another rivalry and prayed to a higher being for the two to get along!
Iruka nodded and slipped on latex gloves. He unzipped the front pocket and reached inside, pulling out official looking documents that he immediately took pictures of, putting them into evidence bags and tagging them. He proceeded through every pocket before opening the main cavity and looking through the clothes before placing them in brown paper bags and sealing it shut. “I’ll just process this and let you know what I find; but I wouldn’t count on much. It doesn’t appear to be anything helpful to your investigation considering it is secondary to the actual crime scene.”
“Thank you Iruka.” Tsunade nodded as he exited the office, Kakashis eyes following his retreating form until it disappeared down the stairs.
“I didn’t think you would find anything.” Naruto muttered causing Sasuke to frown.
“It was still something we had to check. So, now that that is over with I’ll let Kakashi catch you up on this end. If I understood Chief Sarutobi correctly you have information to add to this investigation as well?”
“Yes, Chief Tsunade.” Shikamaru nodded.
“Then get on it.” She dismissed them from her office as she picked up the phone to make a call. Unknown to anyone that she was about to have it out with her former Sensei.
~CALM~
“What all do you have, Lieutenant?” Shikamaru asked making his way towards the only empty desks in the precinct.
“It’s Kakashi, please.”
“Ok, Kakashi; you can call me Shikamaru.” He nodded.
“Are you aware of the crime scene specifics?”
“Only what Chief Sarutobi was able to give us last night.”
“I see. Here is the autopsy report and we’re still waiting for all the evidence logs from CSI.” Kakashi handed over a manila file to Shikamaru, who wasted no time in reading it. Naruto craned his neck to follow along. His stomach clenched as he noticed something missing in the file; something that hadn’t been on the body or in the suitcase.
“Now that you’ve been caught up, what do you have to offer?” Kakashi asked. As Shikamaru started to fill them in, Naruto pulled his phone out and composed a quick text. He couldn’t drop this, not if it was really missing!
“Senator Jiraiya’s home was searched last night by two of our colleagues, Genma Shiranui and Raido Namiashi. Nothing of consequence turned up there. We do have video surveillance from the airport that was emailed to us. It shows Jiraiya entering and checking in his luggage. He receives a phone call at 7:11am and leaves the airport promptly. He is seen entering a cab; we’re still trying to locate him, and leaving down the road leading to Konoha. We dumped his phone records, but the number came from a disposable cell. It’s completely untraceable.”
“We have the security guard from the apartment building waiting in room one to make his official statement, we can ask him about a cab.” Kakashi muttered.
“I’d like to take his statement if you don’t mind?” Naruto asked. Shikamaru stared at him in thought, wondering if it was one of his gut feelings again.
“Of course, you and Sasuke can take the guard and Shikamaru and I will take the two that discovered the body.”
Naruto and Sasuke nodded and headed off towards the interrogation room together. Shikamaru cast his partner a worried glance and followed Kakashi to room two.
AN: And here is chapter one/two depending on how you look at it. I will post my chapters every few days until I'm caught up to where I am on fanfiction. Then I will post synonymously. Updates are usually Friday at the latest EST, but can be as early as Wednesday EST.
