Warlord

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The warlord and his generals stood and watched the troops assemble for muster. There was no way anyone could miss the very clear message this was going to send. Kakashi frowned as he examined his plan one more time . . . something was missing . . . “Asuma,” he said sharply, “someone needs to pick up Yakushi Kabuto, the pleasure slave trainer, and bring him to me.”

“Certainly Commander.” the general replied as he whispered to one of his aides. The soldier ran off with several others in the direction of the marketplace as both men turned hard eyes on the soldiers assembling in front of them.

“They’ve been sitting for too long.” the warlord remarked in a tight voice, “As much as I’m enjoying the rest, it’s time to start a new campaign . . . in the North I suppose, that’s where the border’s most troubled.”

“I suppose you’re right.” Asuma replied in the same controlled tone, “Although Kurenai isn’t going to be pleased . . . still, it can’t be helped.”

“Well,” Kakashi said with a smile, “someone will have to stay here and keep an eye on things . . . I think you’d be a good choice. Especially with the little woman to keep you in line.”

“You’d go to battle without me?” the general’s face fell in disappointment.

“No my friend,” Kakashi replied as he put a hand on the general’s shoulder, “I’d let you enjoy your wife and child.” Asuma merely nodded in response, and the warlord turned to survey the gathering. “It’s time.” he said simply as he stepped forward to address the assembly.

“It has come to my attention,” he began, “that some of you are dissatisfied with the changes I’ve made. So much so, that, for the last five years some of you have been planning to have me assassinated, murdered in my bed, so that power would change hands.” Kakashi clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace. “If you are one of that group I am sorry to inform you that your plot has been uncovered. These men,” he gestured toward the group of nobles, the two generals and their aides and the lone pleasure slave with one hand, “are at the center of this web of intrigue. They are guilty of treason and shall be punished by death . . . immediately.”

The generals fanned out across the stage as men were brought to kneel before them, Hajime coming to kneel before the warlord. “You see, my lord,” he said in a soft voice, “I said I was meant for you alone . . . even in this.” He knelt gracefully and bowed his head.

As one the warlord and his generals raised their swords, as one the swords fell, and heads rolled. The bodies were thrown onto a pyre even as the next group was led into place. Kakashi gritted his teeth and said nothing as he dispatched both traitorous generals.

By now the ground was soaked in blood, the anxious prisoners churning the area to a red froth. The assembled troops watched with barely veiled terror as the heads were left to lay where they fell, gazing reproachfully into the ranks even as the bodies were burned.

Finally the last of the traitors was led out and the warlord couldn’t stifle his growl as Umino Toyo cowered before him, trying one last attempt to sweet talk his way out of punishment. “Please my lord, I beg you . . . as a favor to my cousin, please spare my life.”

He had picked the worst possible plea to use, since his actions had driven Iruka out of the warlord’s arms, perhaps permanently. “The biggest favor I could ever do him will be to get rid of you.” With that he raised his sword one last time and neatly severed his neck, watching dispassionately as blank eyes seemed to catch his as they rolled lifelessly across the ground.

“Gather the heads and throw them in with the offal . . . let them feed the dogs we rely on.” the warlord said grimly, ignoring the gasps from the crowd at such a dishonorable end. “Obviously we have been at rest too long.” Kakashi continued, “So, Monday we march North to repel invaders on the borders and expand our boundaries. To ensure you will be in the proper state of mind I wish to give you a little treat before the campaign starts.”

Kakashi turned and motioned to the men holding Kabuto. They dragged the slave trader over to the warlord, easily overpowering his efforts to break free. “Ah, Yakushi.” the commander said jovially, “I have a special treat for you. Rather than death I have decided to grant you a reprieve.” He smiled widely before continuing, “I’m sure you’ll enjoy your new role . . . it’s one you’ve chosen for so many others, after all.”

“Strip him.” the warlord commanded, and the guards were quick to comply. Once Kabuto was naked Kakashi studied him intently. “Something’s wrong,” he muttered, “I know,” he said with a smile, “we need to prepare you.” He motioned for the men to hold the slave trader still as he grabbed a sharp knife and thrust the blade into the flames. He quickly turned and grasped Kabuto’s scrotum and pulled, slashing the connecting tissue, the hot knife cauterizing as it cut.

The warlord idly tossed the slave trader’s testicles aside, nodding his approval at the sight of his panicked, tear-stained face. “That’s better.” he nodded, turning to address the troops again. “Men, here is your reward for loyal service. I gift you with this pleasure slave to use as you see fit. Just remember you need to be ready to march on Monday morning.”

“Please, no.” Kabuto begged, grasping Kakashi’s clothing in an attempt to stop him from leaving.

“Mouthy, aren’t you.” the warlord ground out as he forced his jaws open and yanked on his tongue, pulling it out as far as he could. “I hate to remove what could be the source of great pleasure for my men . . . but if you can’t be quiet, I guess I’ll just have to.” He pulled his knife back out and thrust it into the flames yet again, watching the fear blossom on the cowering man’s face.

“I . . .I . . .I’ll be quiet.” he finally stammered out, and Kakashi let go of his tongue. Instead he pulled him up by his hair and shoved him into the waiting arms of the guards.

“Now, play nice boys . . . make sure everyone gets his chance.” the warlord said with a tight smile before turning and striding back to his tent, the generals following closely behind.

“They’ll tear him apart you know.” Asuma remarked conversationally.

“Karma’s a bitch.” Kakashi replied without slowing, “Personally I wish I had taken his tongue.” The general stopped dead, after a long moment he shook his had and hurried to catch up, although he wisely said nothing. This was, after all, the man he was stuck spending the next few days with. Can’t even sneak away to the bachelor quarters, he moaned to himself, Kurenai’s sure to find out . . . no, I have to stay with Mr. ‘Blood Will Spill’ Hatake.

Raidou remained silent at the warlord’s other side. For his part all he could do was thank the gods his friend had either forgiven or forgotten what had happened between them. In either case he was very glad to be where he was and not included in Kakashi’s purge. He heard the yells coming from the other side of camp and shuddered, or I could have ended up like that poor sod, he thought, no one deserves to be thrown to the wolves like that. He didn’t even want to imagine what Kabuto would look like by Monday morning.

The three continued across camp, each lost in their own thoughts, and no one dared intrude.