Fanning the Flames

Chapter Twenty-Five

“How are Jiraiya and Itachi getting along?” the copy-nin asked worriedly. “I know how abrasive Jiji can be.”

“They seemed quite cozy,” Ibiki decided. “If Itachi's actions are anything to go by he's seduced the old man. Kisame is livid.”

“He has no right to get upset,” Kakashi declared with a sniff. “I practically begged him to join us. I used every argument I could think of to convince him he was making a mistake . . . but he didn't want to hear it.”

“I refuse to worry about them,” the interrogator said. “I have more than enough to worry about making sure you're all right.”

“I told Itachi I'd be there for him,” the jounin fretted. “I need to make sure he's being taken care of.”

“You need to make sure you take care of yourself. There is absolutely no reason for you to endanger your health. If you're worried I'll head over and check on them as soon as Iruka gets here.” Ibiki assured him.

“But that's four days from now,” the copy-nin protested. “Anything could happen in four days. I'll be just fine here. After all, Gaara, Raidou, Kurenai and Fujiko-san are all hovering around me constantly as it is. Put my mind at rest and go check on my other child please.”

“But I just got here sweetheart. I'll go next week,” the scarred man promised.

“You'll be back in less than a day. I know it wasn't in your plans, but I'd really, really appreciate it.” Kakashi turned his best puppy dog eyes on the reluctant interrogator. “I'd go myself if you'd let me.”

“Just stay put,” Ibiki rumbled. “I'll be back in an hour or two.” He bent and kissed the copy-nin thoroughly before heading off in search of Kurenai.

“There you are,” the scarred man exclaimed when he finally tracked her down. “I need to run to Sound and check on Itachi. Keep an eye on 'kashi for me, will you? He's been awfully restless.”

“Of course, hurry back,” the kunoichi said with a wave of her hand. “I was just getting the twins ready to go visit their favorite godfather anyway.”

* * *
“We need to talk,” Kisame insisted, grabbing the Otokage's arm and turning him so they were face to face.

“We have nothing to talk about.” Itachi pulled his arm free and turned a sightless glare on the Mist-nin. “You made your position perfectly clear. You weren't happy, now you're free to pursue other interests.”

“I never said I wasn't happy,” Kisame growled. “You're the one who wanted to take our relationship to another level. “

“What relationship?” The dark haired nin shrugged, turning away from the taller man before he continued. “You have no feelings for me, you made that terribly clear. You were always restless, now you're free to do as you wish. I'm very busy right now, if we're done I need to get back to work.”

“No, we are not done,” the swordsman insisted. “You need to wake up and realize just how dangerous Hatake is. What do you really know about him anyway?”

“I refuse to listen to any more of your subtle digs, Kisame. If you insist on pursuing this I need details. You can't just keep accusing senpai of trying to harm me with no proof.” The last Uchiha walked halfway across the room before turning and driving his point home. “I'm sorry if you're jealous of my feelings for Kakashi, but you had plenty of time to win me over before you abandoned me. Now your protestations are merely tiresome.”

“I am not jealous of that scarecrow,” the Mist-nin protested. “I just want you to wake up and see reason.”

“Reason, in your mind, being my doing whatever you tell me to?” Itachi raised an elegant brow as he waited patiently for the rebuttal he knew was coming.

“I never tried to tell you what to do,” the swordsman insisted. “When did I try to change your mind, about anything?”

“What do you think you're doing right now?” the Otokage fired back.

“Itachi, what's the hold up?” Jiraiya called as he opened the door.

“Nothing important, I'll be right there,” the dark haired man replied. “Kisame was just leaving.”

“I'll be back,” the swordsman promised. “I'm not going to let this drop.”

“I'd suggest you move along now, sonny boy.” The toad sage appeared behind the Mist-nin, laying a heavy hand on his shoulder. “It's obvious you're not welcome. Besides, I'm sure you don't want to upset Itachi unnecessarily.”

“Look old man, your nephew is the problem here, not me.” The swordsman crossed his arms and glared at the sannin.

“You're probably right,” Jiraiya agreed. “Still, I don't want Itachi upset. His health is fragile enough without any additional pressure from you. Trust me, I'm keeping a close eye on him.”

“Fine, I'm leaving . . . but I'll be back,” Kisame growled as he spun and stormed out of the room, slamming the doors behind him.

“What are you doing here?” he blurted upon finding himself face to face with Ibiki.

“'kashi was worried about the baby. He sent me to make sure everything was all right. What are you so pissed off about?” the interrogator asked.

“Your husband,” the Mist-nin snapped back. “In fact, I don't particularly want to talk to you either.”

“What the hell did I do?” the scarred man wondered.

“You married that whore Hatake,” Kisame growled. “That's enough in my book.”

“You were my best man,” Ibiki replied, obviously confused. “Why are you so upset about it now?”

“Because he's trying to blame Kakashi for his own shortcomings,” the last Uchiha cut in from the doorway. “I wouldn't worry about anything he's saying Hatake-san, Kisame is very jealous of other people's happiness.”

“I notice the mighty copy-nin hasn't bothered showing up here lately,” the Mist-nin pointed out. “So much for his care and concern.”

“He can't travel,” Ibiki explained through gritted teeth. “He's not happy about missing out on everything that's going on, I assure you. I'm just glad he's listening to reason for a change.”

* * *

“I need to see Hatake Kakashi,” Zetsu informed the palace guard. “Tell him an old friend is here.”

Five minutes later Raidou appeared in the lobby. “Hi, you must be Kakashi's friend. I'm really glad so many people have come to visit him. I think being confined is getting on his nerves.”

“What did he do?” the green-haired man asked. “And why is he confined here in Suna of all places? Certainly Konoha would seem to be a better venue.”

“He isn't under arrest,” the tokubetsu laughed. “He's pregnant. His blood pressure has been acting up so he's on bed rest. I honestly think he'd be happier confined in a dungeon under heavy torture from the way he acts though. I've never seen anyone who had a harder time relaxing.”

“Pregnant?” Zetsu crowed. “Oh, this is too perfect. Can I see him?”

“Follow me,” Raidou instructed. He wound his way through the halls until he came to a set of double doors. “I think Kurenai is with him now. Hey Kakashi, there's someone here to see you.”

The copy-nin took one look at the green-haired man smirking in the doorway and decided that this was a conversation best held in private. “Kurenai, I may be a little while. Why don't you take the twins and go get yourself some dinner. I'll see you in the morning.”

“Are you sure 'shi-san? Why don't I just wait here and then I can get you something at the same time,” the kunoichi ventured.

“We have a lot of catching up to do,” the jounin replied cautiously. “I'll fill you in tomorrow. Just let me kiss the kids first.” He quickly planted a peck on each of their foreheads before pushing the three of them out the door. “Who are you?” he asked his visitor as soon as they had departed.

“My name isn't important. I have some information I think you'll be interested in though.” Zetsu giggled.

“Well then spit it out. I have no desire to play twenty questions right now,” Kakashi declared.

“I've learned some things about your old sensei that you may be interested in. I also know a few things about your husband that I'm sure will surprise you,” he answered mysteriously.

“Fine, I'm listening,” the copy-nin said with a sigh. “Please hurry up though. I don't have all night.”

“My pleasure,” Zetsu replied with a broad, almost crazed, grin. “You were a student of the Fourth Hokage, were you not? What do you know about his background?”

“I don't understand?” Kakashi admitted. “Sensei's been dead for years. What difference could that make?”

“I know his father you see,” the green-haired man continued relentlessly. “So do you, for that matter. I'm sure his identity will surprise you.”

“Fine, tell me already. It's not like it matters anymore,” the copy-nin decided. “Why don't you have a seat and tell me this amazing tale of yours.”