Into the Fire

Chapter Twenty-One

“I refuse to believe Kakashi is with Orochimaru willingly.” Iruka insisted calmly, “All the evidence we have points to his being abducted. Until he tells us otherwise I, for one, intend to assume everything he’s doing is his attempt to stay alive in a very dangerous situation.”

“Hatake’s a genius.” Genma said simply, “He’s still alive after everything he’s been through . . . I have no doubt he can survive this too.”

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, really,” Ibiki began sincerely, “but you didn’t see what I did. Kakashi was . . . he was in control.”

“You don’t seriously believe that just because someone is on top that they’re in control, do you?” the senbon-sucker gasped in disbelief, “Hell, I top Ru all the time . . . and I’ve never been in control.”

“Again, thanks for sharing.” the interrogator gritted out as he pinched his nose, really, he didn’t need any more information about his Hokage’s bed habits. “But you don’t understand . . . it was obvious Kakashi was enjoying himself.”

“Thank goodness,” Iruka interjected, “the last thing he needs is more trauma.” He pursed his lips in thought before elaborating, “I think you need to concentrate on the positive aspects. After all, we know Kakashi is alive and apparently uninjured . . . and you avoided capture Morino-san, that is also something to celebrate.”

Just then there was a knock on the doors and Inuzuka Tsume entered. “I’m afraid I lost the track again, Hokage-sama. I can tell you that the man who took Hatake-san was the same one who met with Shizune. He appeared to be headed back to the same place, perhaps if I were to start there?”

“That’s probably a good idea.” the Rokudaime began slowly, “However, you need to know that we have new information . . . Kakashi is being held by Orochimaru. Tsunade has escaped and joined them.”

“Should I take an extraction team?” Tsume asked cautiously.

“No . . . not yet.” Iruka decided cautiously, “We need more information on what we’ll be going up against. Genma,” he continued, turning toward his lover, “you go with her . . . find out what you can and report back no later than three days from now.”

“Is there someway to trace where I came from?” Ibiki finally interjected, “Then you wouldn’t have to waste time following the trail.”

“Maybe Hiashi?” the Hokage mused, eventually sending an ANBU to fetch the Hyuuga to see what was possible.

Kakashi turned to Orochimaru in horror. “Who else?” he demanded angrily.

“The only other one still living is Uchiha Itachi.” the snake summoner replied hesitantly, “He killed his entire clan when he found out they’d arranged for he and his younger brother to get ‘special tutoring’ from Sarutobi-sensei, he couldn’t stand the thought of Sasuke going through what he had. Why do you think he hates the leaf so badly?”

“I never considered that there were any besides me.” the copy-nin said, dismay apparent in his tone, “Certainly none after me . . . Sandaime-sama kept sending me out until his death. It was only a few times a year by then . . . I just assumed it was because we were at peace, more or less.”

“I’m so sorry pretty. It hurts even more knowing you weren’t special, doesn’t it?” Orochimaru whispered softly, pulling the lanky figure tighter and gently kissing his cheek.

“It should make me feel better,” Kakashi mused idly, “so why do I feel even dirtier?”

“We are special.” the sannin replied firmly, “We survived . . . you more than anyone else. As far as I know, you and your father were the only ones used as ‘barter’. Tsunade,” he said icily, turning his attention back to the blonde, “did you use anyone other than Kakashi for your little ‘exchanges’?”

“No.” the busty woman replied haughtily, “I’m not a pimp . . . as I said before, it was in Sandaime’s instructions to his successor.”

“That does not excuse what you did.” the snake summoner hissed angrily, “There is no excuse. You ruined Kakashi’s life . . . he might have recovered after Sensei’s death if not for you.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” the copy-nin interjected, “I had nothing to live for.”

“You would have found someone eventually.” Orochimaru declared primly, “Are you, of all people, excusing her behavior?”

“Of course not.” Kakashi retorted harshly, “But talking about it doesn’t change what happened . . . better me than someone else.”

“Why would you say that?” the snake summoner asked curiously, “Why would you rather be hurt than someone you don’t even know?”

“I swore my allegiance to the leaf village and its people.” the copy-nin explained, “My job is to protect them . . . all of them, even at my own expense. Why should this be different?” he concluded with a shrug.

“You truly are shinobi.” Orochimaru said with a touch of awe, “Did you never consider killing them all and disappearing?”

“Of course not!” Kakashi exclaimed indignantly, “It was my duty, I helped build alliances for the leaf after the war. True, I resented it . . . but I also wouldn’t have wished it on any of my comrades. If it had to be done then I was willing to do what I needed to . . . I got Ibiki released from Stone, influenced the signing of the treaties we depend on to this day. . . I am not ashamed of the things I did, they were a necessary means to an end. I just wish . . .”

“What do you wish for Kakashi?” Orochimaru asked, “What would give you peace?”

“I wish I had confided in someone . . . perhaps Itachi could have been spared.” the copy-nin related anxiously, “It’s all my fault . . . the Uchiha massacre, all those lives could have been spared if I had just abandoned my pride.”

“No, no,” the snake sannin assured him, “Itachi’s father acted without knowing about you. I’m not even sure if he knew exactly what Sensei’s ‘special lessons’ involved. I doubt Itachi ever talked to him about it.”

“Have you seen Itachi?” Kakashi inquired eagerly, “Is he alright?”

“He murdered his entire clan . . . how do you think he is?” Orochimaru said sarcastically. “Seriously, pretty, I have seen Itachi . . . and I’m afraid he’s quite mad. Unfortunately he lacked the emotional resilience you and I have . . . perhaps that’s the hindrance of growing up in a so-called loving family.”

“Perhaps.” the copy-nin muttered, “Still, I would have appreciated the opportunity.”

“This is all very touching,” Tsunade broke in, “but I’m still waiting.”

“And you will continue to wait until I’m ready to deal with you.” the snake summoner replied sharply. “Honestly princess, I expected better behavior from you, why so much hostility?”

“I didn’t expect to be left to cool my heels while you whiled away time on idle chit-chat.” the blonde answered angrily, “After all, I’ve been setting things up for you in Konoha for years now. I think I’ve more than proved my loyalty. What I don’t understand is why you’re wasting precious minutes comforting that.” she continued, indicating Kakashi with a tilt of her head, “He’s nothing but a tool . . . and a broken one at that.”

“She’s right.” the copy-nin interjected huskily, “No one should waste time on me. You two go take care of whatever you need to.” He turned to Orochimaru and shyly continued, “Could I maybe have a bath and some clothes?”

“We’ll both bathe and dress first.” the snake sannin replied decisively, “You need to give me your opinion before I can proceed.”

“As you wish.” Kakashi agreed, bowing his head so silver bangs flopped into his eyes.

“Tsunade,” Orochimaru turned to address her, “why don’t you go find Kabuto and Shizune . . . have them bring you up to speed on what needs to be done. We will join you as soon as we’re ready.”

The busty blonde snorted, but moved toward the door, stopping to throw a parting remark over her shoulder. “Try not to get distracted again . . . my patience has its limits.”

The snake sannin ignored her completely, totally engrossed in his new companion. “Come, Kakashi, let’s get cleaned up and have that breakfast.” he urged, “Then we can worry about everything else.”

The copy-nin obediently turned toward his lover, accepting the arm that wrapped around his waist, pulling him close. “Not so solemn, pretty.” Orochimaru whispered tenderly, “You have a truly lovely smile. It’s been a very long time since anyone’s smiled at me like that.”

“I was just thinking about Itachi . . . why didn’t you do this with him?” Kakashi inquired hesitantly. “Maybe then he’d be . . . better, at least.”

“By the time I came across Itachi he was already beyond redemption.” the sannin explained hoarsely, “Besides . . . he reminded me too much of myself. I said you were the first person I’ve been attracted to. Something about you calls to me.”

“I was his captain when he joined ANBU . . . he tried to get close, talk to me . . . I brushed him off like I did everyone else. I didn’t take care of him the way I should have, he was my teammate.” the copy-nin explained haltingly, “I failed him . . . I’ve failed so many people. I meant it when I said no one should waste time on me.”

“I hardly consider any time we spend together wasted.” Orochimaru declared confidently, “I feel better than I have in years. Just having someone who understands . . . it means a great deal.” he finished solemnly, stopping to lock gazes with Kakashi’s wary mismatched eyes, “You mean a great deal to me . . . please remember that.”