Permission To Seek

Chapter 20 Hokage Decision

*Not What He Appears*

Kakashi lunges slashing off the hand holding the kunai and in half a spin severs the head as well. Chordi light blinks ominously around the Jonins’ features as the head separates from the body. Kakashi flicks his eyes on his students body suddenly destruction insects melt from the severed stump and snake quickly up his arm smothering his lighting blade. Kakashi leaps backwards in an attempt to avoid the mass numbers of swarming bug. The tiny creatures swell to the ceiling in the hallway like a wave enveloping his entire body in a crawling black tornado. The devastating creatures spiral at lightening speed consuming the Jonins’ strength instantly before he performs another jutsu thousands join in the attack. Then, just as quickly as they overpowered him; the cyclone of bugs dumped him on the floor across from Sasuke; his body feels heavy from the lack of chakra.

“Sasuke!” Naruto pounces in the hall crouching down by his teammate. Kakashi shifts, now he can see the kunai handle protruding from the floor, very close to Sasuke’s head blood running down the ravens' battered face. “Sasuke!”

“Naruto, get him out of here!” Kakashi orders crawling to his feet and then kneel down near the doorway glaring up at the boy in a crouched position on Naruto’s breakfast table. “Now!” he snaps. “Get him to the hospital!”

Naruto lifts Sasuke’s arm pulling the raven on his back, he cast a final glare at Shino; his eyes full of rage. Shino glares back, just as defiant. After Naruto leaves, Shino gives the Jonin all his attention.

Lifting one of the cups still on the table, he sips tea smirking at Kakashi. “See, if we had faced each other you would have known to stay well away from my Kikai. Nice demonstration for you to teach that bastard, wouldn’t you agree.” He simpers perfectly balanced on top of the table facing the Jonin.

“You don’t know your limitations brat.” He spat getting to his feet.

Shino cocks his head to one side eyeing Kakashi with interest; “I am impressed and I don’t want to be. You should not be able to move with the amount of chakra I ordered them to consume.” He laughs quietly; “By the way, I know all my limitations you are just not one of them.” An evil grin spread across his face. “Have you had enough or are you thirsty for more.” The bug lord says mockingly taunting the Jonin.

“That won’t be necessary,” says a sweet voice. “What do we have here Kakashi-san”

He straightens now that ANBU has just arrived. “We have here Aburame Shino; charges attempted murder of a fellow comrade and attacking a superior officer. You are under arrest brat.” He grins behind his dark mask as the smile fades from the boys face.

“I would put you on my death list but, you are insignificant to the least. I did not attempt to kill Uchiha only teach him without leaving any room for doubt. He needs to keep his distance when it comes to my life. I never attempt to kill anyone.” The grins in a sinister way at Kakashi, “I do it. My uncle will have me out before sunrise tomorrow so enjoy your pseudo victory. I think the bastard may actually have gotten the message now.”

“You talk too much.” An ANBU member with a cat mask states unconcernedly poking in Naruto’s sacks from the merchants. “Oh look Kakashi-san one of his cousins.” He held up three-inch water beetle snickering.

Kakashi takes little notice he needs to get to the hospital. ‘This brat annoys me to know end.’

Shino glares over at the ANBU member holding the rare water beetle. “Please put her in the drain, she will find her way home.”

At that moment two other ANBU members arrive, one walks out of the bathroom as if they live in the small apartment all with varying animal like mask.

The cat masked Shinobi freezes, still hold the insect. “Did you just ask me to do something?”

The other ANBU members cock their mask heads to different sides; eyeing him intently.

“No, I did not ask you;” Shino kept his eyes fixed on the one with the cat mask; “I told you.”

“Really?” he said shortly; then crushed the beetle in his grip; the sounds of her exoskeleton crushing nothing in comparison to the sounds of her “scream;” the high pitch sound only other insects can hear; and unfortunately Shino as well.

Shino’s face shadows darkly his Kikai swarming.

“Wow you are dumb.” Kakashi says, “That crazy uncle got you thinking you can take out four ANBU members and me; you are getting as wacky as that old bird.” Hoping the kid would try something so he could justify killing him.

“Actually, I already defeated you.” He turns his face in the Jonin’s direction. “I do not intend to attack the three ANBU members; just this one.” He cast a dark glare at the cat mask again. The room vibrates with intent all waiting to see who will attack first.

Almost casually the ANBU member near the table reach towards Shino pausing as she notice the spot, where she was about to touch quiver although the boy remained motionless.

“Wait.” A deep voice came from above; causing all to look up at the apparently normal ceiling; that waves and moves allowing them to make the out the enormity of the camouflaged insects. Shino spills out onto the floor from the center landing on his feet. “I will come along.” He feels tired, and the way Naruto glared eats at his conscience.

An ANBU bird masked Shinobi stared at him impressed; ‘Interesting he is able to completely disguise his presence as well get us to focus on his bushing.’

A dog-masked Shinobi cocks his head to the side again. ‘There is no difference between, the copy and the original both are giving off the same intent however, the clone is only insects.’ He turned his gazed back on the clone on the table smiling at Kakashi.

‘Those insects never showed movements before with the Sharingan. This brat’s clone of bugs gave off the same reading as if I were looking at the real thing this is bad. I did not think it were possible to dislike this guy more.’ Kakashi narrowed his eyes trying to see a difference between the brat and his clone both starring in his direction.

“Could not tell I was a clone could you Hatake Kakashi?” The clone grinned finishing the rest of the tea in the cup smacking his lips.

“That’s enough.” Shino addressed it. “This is over, let’s go.” Pointing a hand toward the clone on the table and another at the ceiling recalling the insects. The clone’s features vibrated, braking into millions of dots as it trickled back toward the host. The clone becoming increasingly transparent still maintaining some features of Shino spoke again, glaring into the Jonin’s mismatched eyes smiling dangerously. “When we meet again I will show you something, interesting.” Then it chuckled sounding like multileveled chorus as the last remnants fade.

The fourth masked Shinobi with a face like a beaver gazed at the exodus of insects from the ceiling. Half entering the boy the other half filtering out the window; addressing his companions; “Is it wise to allow him to take those creatures with him? They have evil intent.” His mask face turning to the boy.

Kakashi, warned; “I would say it is not wise.”

Shino stared at him, his mind drifting away from the situation around him to Naruto. ‘I wonder if he is alright.’ He turned away from Kakashi; as the Kikai on the ceiling continued to enter his body; pointing the other hand in the direction of the ceiling now that the clone has vanished.

The bird spoke; “I do not believe we should make that decision here; in any event how would we separate them?”

The Cat Shinobi steps toward Shino. ‘WTF! How can this brat have so many insects?’ “I got an idea of how to get the bugs out.” He declares mysteriously placing his hands together.

The hands recalling the insects point in the officers’ direction the Kikai filtering in stop. “I will say this once attempt to remove my Kikai at your own risk.” The Kikai rattled menacingly Shino's voice bitter with anger.

“We will do nothing to your insects; just cooperate so the situation does not get any worse.” The bird spoke stepping along side him. “Right Cat?”

The cat took a step back lowering his hands. Shino aimed his hands back toward the ceiling. “I will cooperate please allow me to collect my friends.” The bugs filter in at a quicker pace.

“Friends!” The cat cackles staring at the Jonin. “Hey Kakashi-san they are his friends! No wonder he has no real ones hey.”

Kakashi not amused believing a person that would call his ninja tool a friend, mentally unbalanced and highly dangerous. ‘Nearly every ninja in the bingo book has a weapon they consider their ‘friend’. “I’m off keep me posted if there are any changes.” The Jonin said turning to leave, the small apartment.

“Hatake Kakashi.” Shino spoke to him. The Jonin glared at him over his shoulder. “Please extend my apology to Naruto I acted without his knowledge or consent.” His voiced drop sadly.

“What makes you think I would do something like that? If I have my way, you will never see him again.” He walked out, ignoring the dire warning Shino sent at his back.

*HOKAGE DECISION*

The dark haired boy lay motionless on the bed; this face bandaged with special herbs a ninja techniques used to speed his healing. He appeared vulnerable and weak, like a child abused by an unruly parent; left to the fate of the world. A small hand held his slightly larger hand as more tears hit his covers; he has been in this state for a little over a week with no telling when they would revive him. The damage to his neck did not take long to heal, not for the medical specialist Tsunade; it was the concussion he received being slammed against the floor as well as the lack of oxygen to his brain; they placed him is a medical coma to give his body a chance to heal slowly. Uchiha Sasuke nearly died; that is the rumor circulating the Village and the one responsible is Aburame Shino. Few are permitted to visit the Uchiha, since he is under ANBU watch. Naruto among the few sat with Iruka’s hand on his shoulder reassuring him for the hundredth time that what Sasuke did is not in any way his fault; as well as the young Shinobi would make a full recovery so he (Naruto) could give him a proper ass kicking.

When he spoke about what happen to Iruka, for some reason he did not feel the same bitter pain from when Shino tricked him. He did not fall into uncontrollable tears; he felt as if the more he spoke about the incident the less pain the memory caused him. He stares at Sasuke sleeping face; wanting to shake him awake and demand answers; make him tell him why he had done that to him; why he betrayed him; all he ever felt for Sasuke is love; the first person he ever truly love. Now with Shino confined to his home and his teammate in the hospital he feels both snatched away from him too soon. He felt empty and bitter; both men he trusted and loved and both had taken advantage of him, lied and betrayed his trust.

“Iruka-sensei all I have is you; everyone else is gone.”

Gazing fondly at the boy, Iruka felt the sadness wash over him. Naruto could not bring himself to tell the council what had occurred in the Hot Spring Village; and he only agreed to tell his Sensei if he would keep it secret. This contributes to the circulating rumors that Shino nearly kills a comrade for something as trivial as a Henge prank; at least so far, that is the position of the council. Naruto did not know about Sasuke impersonation but after an investigation that remained the only reason presented. Shino as well refused to testify in his own behalf other that stating that Sasuke had made a fool of him with his prank. On the day Shino and his uncle presented a defense to the Konoha Council of Elders Naruto hadn’t left his small apartment; believing everyone would discover what happen to him. Iruka knew Kimimaro was aware of the details however, he had not shared it with Kuni-te; because the old man did not raise it as a defense to protect his nephew from prosecution; the most serious attacking a Superior Officer. At the rate, things were going it did not look good for the Aburame Ninja.

“No, Naruto you still have many friends. Sasuke and Shino will still be a major part of your life. Don’t give up on them; they both need to be told off for how they treated you; and a good punch in the face for good measure.” Eyeing the small ninja, he wants to say something that will help he was beginning to believe that there must be more to have the boy so depressed.

“I know, they will be in my life, I’m just not sure if I want them to be.” He stood up straighter letting go of Sasuke’s hand. “Why didn’t he tell the council the real reason?” a defiant light entering his eyes as he wiped his face with his forearm. ‘Damn you Shino, why didn’t you just save yourself; they would understand if you just told the whole truth.’

“Why do you think?” Iruka let his hand fall from the boys shoulder; once again considering Shino. ‘The boy is bright, very strong and a true friend.’ “Naruto if something like that happen to a friend of yours how would you react? Tell everyone, or beat the person responsible to a pulp?”

Naruto looks away from the bed and his former teacher not wanting to hear that explanation because he had thought of it before. The result was the same; he would have done exactly what Shino did to his attacker or much worse; and in the end not tell anyone the horrible truth; keep his friends secret till the day he dies. Walking over to the window staring out at the kids playing; the anger at the circumstances eating at him he knew he had to make a decision.

“Sensei they let Shino go home till the trial right?”

“Yes,”

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow Naruto, it doesn’t look good; the Aburame Clan are requesting an outside party review the case; and his uncle has threatened civil war if Shino is given anything more than a slap on the wrist.” Iruka kept his eyes on the back of Naruto’s blonde head. Things were quickly spilling out of control in the Hidden Leaf with people taking sides, dividing the Nation into quarreling groups.

“I got something to take of.” The boy left the room without looking back at either; Iruka knew what Naruto would do; his heart went out to him sadly. Moving closer to the bed eyeing the Uchiha; his life never had been in danger of death; people take things to the extreme when they want too. Sasuke is a very strong person and Shino did no damage that will not heal with time. ‘I got my own punishment to deliver to you Sasuke.’

~~~~
Standing against a tree overlooking the beautiful river that fed many of the smaller streams in the Hidden Leaf he turned as the blonde-haired person leaned against a smaller limb near him. “Yo.” He said eyeing the boy, he has come to admire and soon take as a subordinate. ‘He is not taking this well, perhaps because they both are friends with him caught in the middle. “You know Naruto soon you will leave this all behind to train with me; cheer up a little.” The Frog Hermit advised.

Looking down at the white foam rising from the falls crashing nearly a hundred feet into the river it reminds him of the training area his and Shino’s area. He looked away from it, not at anything particular just the surrounding forest and village in the distance.

“Jiraiya, can I ask a favor of you?” his voice sad.

~~~~

“WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!” the Council Elder roared; his face blood red in fury; his eyes locked on the laughing Elder, Kuni-te.

He chortled again at the ignorance of the man; “Well, I am not young like you; if you want complete break down of my life it will take most of our time.” He chuckled again. To everyone’s displeasure.

“Kuni-te-sama allow me to address the council you are unnerving them.” Kimimaro spoke from his place at the defense table. The old man laughing still took his seat. He has threaten that an army of Clansmen are standing by until the verdict is made; should it not go his way war will be declared immediately. ‘Just sit down and let me work my magic.’ Kimi kept his eyes trained on the old man until he was seated and silent.

Getting to his feet he walked toward the twelve members Elder Council; knowing his word would have little weight, because he is an outsider, he wanted to try; they were not getting very far with Kuni-te’s threats.

“The injuries were not life threatening; Tsunade-sama already testified to that; this is merely a case were one ninja overpowered another; if every ninja in the village were prosecuted for such travesties we would have none free to protect Konoha.” He smiled warmly several of them nodding at his point.

“The brat attacked me too, you didn’t forget that?” A deadly voice added.

“Oh no Kaka-san;” Kimimaro turned to face the Jonin. “I remember very well.” Looking up as if considering the details; “Shino whips your ass, and explains you will never be a match for him; perhaps you have personal issues that you are dealing with. You want revenge on a fourteen year-old boy by using the council as the weapon?” he grins.

“I don’t need to explain my reasons; the facts speak for themselves; he broke the law.” He fumed back.

Kuni-te stands again; “Don’t forget the little detail that you tried to behead him at the time; he defended himself; it is what ninja are trained to do right?” He chuckles he nearly laughs himself silly when he finally spoke with Shino about the incident. The fact that his nephew had grown to a level where he could defeat a Shinobi of Kakashi caliber amused him to know end. Although, the fact that Shino did not kill either had them shouting at each other late into the night, the day after the incident. Kuni-te wants Sasuke dead a nice bonus would have been Kakashi; the boy had the opportunity and means he just did not act and would not tell his uncle why. Kuni-te despite the amusement he showed was furious.

Kimimaro broke in not wanting Kuni-te to take the floor; “Yes I believe it is a very deadly move Lighting Edge. Not something you would normally use to stop a Shinobi from sparring match.” He eyed him disapprovingly.

Kakashi narrowed his eye at them both; they were attempting to sway the council by calling the unprovoked attack a spar. Before he could open his mouth to curse them out, the door opened; the Fifth with Jiraiya; apparently the men had an impromptu discussion before the full panel had convened. Following the two Sannin three ANBU members, Shino and four other escorts one the ANBU squad leader of torture and interrogation Morino Ibiki. Morino stood closest to Shino who today dressed modestly in a long sleeve shirt and jeans no ninja weapons or forehead protector.

The boy stopped at the table set aside for him, Ibiki put a hand on his shoulder ushering him to sit. From what he knew of the details, now a personal guard of the brat; he liked. Intending to have the boy become a subordinate, if all goes well. Unlike the rumors he had heard of the boy being difficult, bad tempered, and lacking respect to Superior Officers; Ibiki has a positive impression. The last week Moreno observed his ability undergo server mental torment, while ANBU and the council interrogated him at length regarding the incident. He also had the pleasure of challenging the brat in a game he called Post Mortem. It is a morbid game; Ibiki’s favorite because it starts with a corpse in which you explain only the visual signs on a cadaver and your opponent needed to determine the possible causes of death. Not only did the brat do well in the game he also gave some good cadaver challenges for the Jonin to ponder. Gazing now at his profile Ibiki felt his own measure of pride for the brat; to be able to take on Kakashi confirmed the kid must have considerable strengthen and critical thinking skills; ‘we need more like him in the Hidden Leaf.’

Shino’s face unreadable as Morino leans to whisper in his ear. “No matter what do not react.” He did not intend to do so; although his head remains facing the council; his eyes travel to his uncle. The night before he started on him again, why he did not kill the Uchiha, and that bastard Kakashi; Shino did not hate Kakashi enough to do that; and he would not tell his uncle why he decided to not kill Uchiha, other than saying, he just wanted to teach him a lesson. He came to the decision, if his uncle tried to do anything to harm the Hidden Leaf he would stop him; he had not slept for nearly five days. His mind tortured by the eyes Naruto gave him before he left with Sasuke, and his uncle hounding him every other hour about why; and what he would do if they tried to put his nephew in jail. Inwardly he fumed at the circumstances, feeling his life was not his own; he needed to see Naruto to clear his head and apologize for what he’d done to gain the information that still had him feeling he should have finished off the Uchiha.

Tsunade took her seat facing the council the Hermit in a far corner eyeing Kuni-te darkly. “Now that we are all present I have a statement to make: In the matter of The Village of Konoha verses Aburame Shino; charge the attempted murder of Uchiha Sasuke a comrade in the Hidden Leaf; attacking a Superior Officer Hatake Kakashi. As far as Uchiha Sasuke his injuries although severe were not at any time life threatening; during training and occasional arguments, a ninja will incur wounds that may be obtain in the same manner as those of the Uchiha. The concussion he received caused some more serious damage; although to say such an injury could not occur during normal circumstances, would be incorrect. Therefore the charges of attempted murder are withdrawn.”

Kakashi stood off the wall he leaned on “That can’t be…”

“Just keep quiet and let her finish!” Jiraiya warned; everyone who began to mumble including Shino’s uncle who chuckled fell silent.

“I presented the case I will do with it as I please.” She stated defiantly. “As for the charges of attacking a Superior Officer; they are withdrawn as well.” Kakashi turned and left the room before her explanation. Once the door closed behind him, she continued. “In such as the circumstances are based on the two individual perspectives, I will side with Aburame Shino; the defendant acted in a means that would be self preserving; the Jonin attacked at a rate that would be considered deadly. In other words, he attacked the Superior Officer in order to save his own life; no evidence presented show he used a malicious intent to permanently wound or kill Hatake Kakashi. Therefore all charges are closed in this matter I withdrawal the complaint.

Everyone sat silent, dumb founded at first; Kuni-te jumped to his feet first. “So Shino now we may go! You are free of this matter!” he laughed aloud, most eyed him darkly.

“We can pursue this case without the 5th submission.” The Elder who shouted at the old man stated.

He continued to chuckle; “You could die before sunrise as well.”

“Go ahead Kuni-te give me a reason to hurt you!” Jiraiya stormed. Everyone eyed both men, the air tense.

Shino stands. “Uncle please do not say useless things. Elders if you want to continue please make it plain; I would like to return to working to protect the Hidden Leaf as soon as possible.” He wanted to be away from the village for a while and a mission would help in that respect.

Ibiki placed a hand on his shoulder and he sat. The Council eyed each other, really without the submission from the Fifth it would be pointless to continue. In addition, her explanations why she felt the case should not continue seemed reasonable. The head Council member spoke; “Should we need to review this matter further we will inform you. Please take care when you spar in the future, you are free to leave.” People began to rise leaving the room as Tsunade called to Shino.

“Aburame Shino, may I have a word?”

Few remain, as the boy walks to the desk she sat behind; two ANBU members with a bird mask another with a dog; the two who arrested him; Jiraiya; and Ibiki.

“Yes Hokage-sama.” He stood in front of her wondering if she would chastise him.

Shuffling the papers in front of her, she swallows the tears at what the Frog Hermit shared with her. Looking up at the boy, ‘he is a hero in his own way, never betraying his friends’ secret even if it cost him his freedom.’ She has a different impression of the boy now, even though they can never speak openly about what happen; Naruto does not want it that way.

“This is a lucky break for you;” she simpers coyly; “Now that I know how strong you are you will not get missions below ‘C’ level; I hope you are sincere about helping to protect the Hidden Leaf. I’m going to make sure you do just that.”

He nods at her getting the impression there was something more to her words; the last time they spoke, they were very cross with one another.

“I would say that he would make a fine member of ANBU his skill is quite impressive.” The bird masked Shinobi said sweetly.

“I agree.” The dog-masked Shinobi barks his voice gruff.

“Just hold on;” Morino Ibiki interrupted. “This brat is going to be my subordinate; if he will just accept.” He grinned out of his scared face as Shino turned his face to the Jonin.

‘What are they talking about? They are acknowledging me; and a Jonin I admire will accept me as a subordinate.’ Feeling honored by the request knowing a great deal about the Jonin. The Fifth intervened before he could come to a decision.

“Just hold your horses;” she said amused, ‘he has gotten noticed by some very strong people.’ “He is my brat until I say otherwise.” She scowled at them all, while they looked amused but understood they needed to concede his future to her. “I’m going to reform your team and you will be the leader.” Eyeing him while leaning on one hand, “Do you think you can handle that level of responsibility?”

“Yes, Hokage-sama.” Although content with his current team she, for some reason wanted him to take a more leadership role. ‘When will I see you again, Naruto?’ His mind growing dark as he realizes the additional responsibility will keep him too busy for a life with the blonde-ninja if he will forgive him.

“Good, your first job as team leader will be to inform you teammates of your expectation and goals as a leader. No more keeping things to yourself.” She warned eying him pointedly. “I’m going to force you to resolve this disagreement from your past; you will be responsible for their lives. Inuzuka Kiba; will remain with you. I am sure he will be of assistance since you two have worked together for some time now.” She paused to consider her decision, and then explained who the other teammates would be; and leaned back; watching his face brighten subtly then the eyebrows knit behind the dark shades as he nods his acceptance of his new role.