Into the Fire

Chapter Twenty-Five

“Good morning Ibiki.” Iruka said huskily, smiling brightly as his gaze landed on the stoic interrogator, “Did you sleep well?”

“Not really.” the scarred man admitted, “But I did rest. I need to thank you Iruka, you were right . . . my feelings are a lot clearer now.”

The Rokudaime stood and stretched, running his fingers through his hair to loosen the tangles as he moved toward the shower. “So,” he continued as he stepped under the spray, “Any ideas about how we can get Kakashi back?”

“As much as I’d like to say yes,” the torture master replied thoughtfully, “I think we need Genma’s scouting report before making any plans.”

“He should be back in a couple of days.” Iruka responded after he finished rinsing the shampoo from his hair, “I’d like to have at least an outline in mind by then . . . if we only have to refine our plans, rather than start from scratch, we’ll get to our objective that much sooner.”

“You’re good at this.” Ibiki said with obvious shock, “No offense, I’m just a bit surprised.”

“I’m not the strongest fighter, it’s true.” the Hokage admitted with a smile, “But I’ve taught and studied tactics for years . . . still, I’d hold on to your opinion until after you see if we succeed.”

“Our success or failure does not, necessarily, reflect on your planning.” the scarred man responded cautiously, “Make sure you don’t take on guilt that isn’t yours Iruka.”

“Responsibility and guilt go hand in hand Ibiki.” the former teacher replied softly, “Still, I thank you for your concern.” He finished drying off and quickly dressed in basic blacks, gratefully accepting the cup of coffee the interrogator pressed into his hand. They were just sitting down to eat when they felt the familiar chakra displacement that accompanied the teleportation jutsu.

“Hey, Morino.” a gruff voice demanded from the area of his kneecap, “Where’s the Hokage, I have a message for him.”

“Pakkun, where’s Kakashi?” the scarred man demanded frantically.

“Orochimaru’s headquarters.” the ninken replied, his confusion over the situation clearly apparent, “And he’s a lot more worried about getting Genma out than he is himself . . . as usual.”

“What about Genma?” Iruka interrupted anxiously, “Hurry up and give me the message Pakkun.”

“So you’re the new Hokage, huh?” the pug said in astonishment, “Will wonders never cease. I’m ready for things to go back to normal now.” he complained in a loud voice.

“Report.” the Rokudaime snapped in the voice that caused the strongest jounin to quake in their boots.

“Genma was captured outside Orochimaru’s lair.” Pakkun replied instantly, “Apparently the snake is planning on transferring into his body. The boss has a plan to help him escape, but he needs you to position an extraction team just outside their patrols to ensure he gets away.”

“Kakashi isn’t going with him?” Ibiki practically yelped, “He’ll never get away . . . they’re sure to tighten security if Genma goes missing.”

“He said to tell you he’ll leave as soon as he can do it safely.” the ninken huffed, “He refuses to put the village in danger of retaliation. He said to make sure you know that he misses you Ibiki.” the small dog continued snarkily, obviously put out at being used to pass personal messages, “And he hopes to be home soon.”

“See Ibiki,” Iruka commented warmly, “I told you he wasn’t there willingly.”

“But why doesn’t he just leave with Genma?” the interrogator puzzled, “It makes no sense to stay behind.”

“I’m sure Hatake-san has his reasons.” the Hokage soothed, “The important thing is that he plans on coming back.”

“No, it isn’t.” the scarred man roared, “You’re just saying that because Genma’s not the one staying behind . . . how would you feel if our positions were reversed?”

“The boss is alright, you know.” Pakkun said suddenly, looking up intently into Ibiki’s angry face, “Orochimaru isn’t going to hurt him. They have . . . history that they share.” the pug struggled to explain, “They trust each other. If Kakashi says he’ll be back then he will, he never breaks his promises . . . believe in him.”

“Then tell him I’m waiting . . . and to get his ass home as soon as possible.” the interrogator responded drily. The summons merely nodded and then faded from sight.

Just then there was a sharp rap on the door. “The clan heads are here for your meeting, Hokage-sama.” Bear informed them deferentially, “They’re waiting in your office.”

Pakkun reappeared in the bowels of Orochimaru’s headquarters, nose wrinkling in distaste at the smell of stale recirculated air. He quickly got his bearings and trotted down a short hall into an expansive bedroom, shuddering slightly at the still unfathomable sight of his master curled up intimately with Konoha’s most infamous renegade.

“Boss,” he hissed urgently, “hey, wake up.”

Kakashi jerked awake at the touch of a wet nose, instantly getting his bearings and slipping noiselessly out of the large bed to head into the bathroom. “Well?” he whispered as soon as they were safely out of earshot.

“The team will be in position later today and will remain for up to ten days if necessary.” the pug explained quickly, “Oh, and Ibiki says to get your ass home soon, he’s waiting for you.”

The copy-nin broke out in a wide smile at the news. “As soon as I can.” he muttered, “Not too much longer now.” He turned to address his summon, “Pakkun, go and link up with the extraction team, make sure Genma gets to them safely.”

“Yes boss, I’ll see you soon.” the pug replied with a doggie smile.

“I sincerely hope so.” Kakashi replied just as Pakkun disappeared in a puff of smoke. The jounin quickly flushed the toilet and washed his hands before heading back to bed, relieved to see the sannin hadn’t stirred.

He lay awake, reviewing his plans in his mind as he absently stroked Orochimaru’s back, fingers unconsciously drawing comforting circles on the pale skin. When the snake summoner finally stirred Kakashi merely snuggled up against him, pressing the length of his body against his bed mate’s as he draped an arm across a hard chest.

“Good morning.” the copy-nin husked, “How are you feeling?”

“I will never tire of waking up to your face, pretty.” the sannin replied softly, “More importantly though, how are you feeling? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“Oh no, no.” the jounin replied hastily, “You were wonderful, you didn’t hurt me at all.”

“That,” Orochimaru declared with a smile, “is very good news.” He leaned forward and kissed the copy-nin, gently nibbling a plump lower lip before pulling back with a smile. “We should eat and clean up . . . today is a busy day.”

As they dawdled over breakfast Kakashi decided the time had come to start implementing his plan. “Do you know where Itachi is?” he asked curiously, fixing his lover with his best puppy dog eyes.

“Why so curious koi?” the snake summoner responded, neatly parrying the question with another question.

“I was just thinking . . .” the copy-nin drawled lazily, “you say he’s insane . . . but he’s still very strong, and he possesses the sharingan. Maybe that’s the body you should be inhabiting. It reminds me much of this one.” he continued, voice softening affectionately as long elegant fingers stroked the sannin’s cheek. “I could help you master the powers of the sharingan.” he offered eagerly.

“So . . . you desire Itachi.” Orochimaru answered flatly.

“No, no,” Kakashi hastened to correct his lover, “I desire you . . . but you say this body is no longer an option. That one is similar and powerful . . . I just thought it was an elegant solution.”

“If that is what you desire, then so be it.” the sannin declared, “I’ll send word that I need to see Itachi immediately. When he gets here . . .” he trailed off uncertainly, “Are you sure about this Kakashi? You said you felt like you’d failed Itachi . . . is this some sort of revenge?”

“No . . . more of a rescue.” the copy-nin whispered seriously, “If he’s lost his mind then this will free him from the agony of his life. It’s the least I can do since I’m responsible for his mental state.”

“You’re not responsible.” the snake summoner retorted angrily, “But if it eases your mind, all the better. I’m happy with your decision.”

“Shall I go let Tsunade and Kabuto know?” Kakashi asked quietly, “They shouldn’t waste time on Genma . . . unless you want to keep him ready just in case?”

“Tell them to hold on to him for now . . . but keep him sedated, we don’t need the distraction of escape attempts.” the sannin finally decided.

“I’ll be right back.” the copy-nin whispered huskily, rising gracefully and gliding out of the apartment in search of the medics.

Iruka watched as the meeting dispersed, waiting until most of the others were gone before snagging Jiraiya’s sleeve and pulling him aside. “Pakkun said Orochimaru and Kakashi have shared history.” the Hokage declared bluntly, “What exactly would that be?”

“I’m not sure I know what you’re referring to.” the toad sage hedged.

“Can it Jiraiya.” the former teacher growled, “He was your teammate . . . and Kakashi’s your cousin’s son. Don’t bother stalling, I can see you know and I don’t have time to pussyfoot around. I need you to tell me . . . now.”